Lionel Coker, 56, of Burgess Street, Lexington, North Carolina, passed away on Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at his home. He was born on March 14, 1965 to the late Abraham T. Coker and Zatie Coker Martin in Winston-Salem, North Carolina.


He received his formal education from the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Public Schools. He was a cook by trade and worked in the restaurant profession. He also worked other local jobs until his health declined and he became disabled. He was of the Christian faith.

Lionel, affectionately known as "Bam", would give you the shirt off his back if you were in need. Everybody in the city knew Bam for having a gentle soul and a big smile. Bam loved to entertain his loved ones with his tasty food and music. He was known to some as "DJ Bam Bam". He had a special love for music and would sing like he wrote the song himself. Bam was a wonderful father to his girls and very family oriented. His grandchildren were the highlight of his day whenever they were with him. Bam also loved to fish, he would catch, kill it, scale it, gut it and cook it for you without a problem. He made sure that when you were around him you were treated like family.


He was preceded in death by his father, Abraham T. Coker and his mother, Zatie Coker-Martin.


His life will forever be remembered by his children: Zatie Coker and LeeElla Berenza Coker; his brother, Abram Coker of King, North Carolina; his two granddaughters, Za'Biana and baby Zurii; one grandson, Leonard; special friend, Jennifer Austin, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.


The celebration of life will be conducted at 1:00 P.M. Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church, 1212 N. Dunleith Avenue, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27101. Lionel will rest following the service in the serenity of Mt. Gur Cemetery. Public viewing will be held on Monday, March 14, 2022 from 1:00 P.M. - 6:00 P.M. at the funeral home. In every effort to protect our client families, sanitizing, facial coverings and or masks are required for the service.