Lola Mae Harryman

Lola Mae Harryman, age 90 of Bolivar, Missouri, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on August 28, 2025. She was born on November 17, 1934, in Bethany, Missouri, to Robert L. and Clara (Wells) Gillespie. She graduated from Bethany High School in 1952. Lola married Joseph E. Wooderson in 1951. They had three sons: Joseph A., Dwight A., and Douglas A. Wooderson. After her husband Joe’s death in 1966, she and the three boys moved to Bolivar, Missouri, so that she could pursue a teaching degree at Southwest Baptist College. She graduated in August of 1970 and began her teaching career at Weaubleau, Missouri, and taught there for two years. She then met Porter Harryman and they married in 1972. Lola was hired at Stockton High School in Stockton, Missouri, to teach English. She taught for 28 years and retired from Stockton schools in 2000. She finished her Master’s Degree at Southwest Baptist University and took an adjunct teaching position for two years at Southwest Baptist University teaching English. Lola and Porter continued to live in Bolivar until her passing. Lola was saved at 20 years of age at First Baptist Church in Bethany. Being a member at Immanuel Baptist and then First Baptist in Bethany, she had taught a teen girls’ Sunday school class. Lola was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Bolivar, Missouri, since 1967. She served in vacation Bible school but also taught an adult women’s Sunday school class for several years. Lola was preceded in death by her first husband, Joseph E. Wooderson, and her youngest son, Douglas A. Wooderson. Survivors include two sons, Joseph A. (Charlotte) Wooderson, and Dwight A. (Linda) Wooderson; three stepchildren, Carla (Roger) Inman, Jayne (Brian) Ewing, and Paul (Lisa) Harryman ; six grandsons, Joe, Jason, Jake, Josh, Caleb, and Jared Wooderson; six step grandchildren, Alicia, Jordan, Robbe, James, Taylor and Paden; fifteen great grandchildren and seven step great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Gene (Joyce) Gillespie. Lola was a member of the Mary Martha Sunday School class of Bolivar First Baptist, the Retired Teacher’s Association, and Daughters of the American Revolution. She enjoyed being with her family, watching TV, reading, and journaling. She also enjoyed her cat and loved to sit in her front porch swing. A visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home in Bolivar. Funeral services will begin at 10:00 AM on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Butler Funeral Home following the visitation. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Lola Mae Harryman

November 17, 1934 - August 28, 2025