Willie Mae Oliver

Willie Mae Lawson-Oliver, 88, passed away November 16, 2021, while living with her daughter Linda, in San Antonio, TX. She was born to William Henry Lawson and Ellen (Crooms) Lawson, January 3, 1933 in Gunnison, Mississippi where she grew up with four loving siblings. Upon leaving Gunnison, Willie Mae attended Missouri Street School for early education and graduated from Merrill High School, after which, she continued further studies at San Diego State.

Willie Mae accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Old Morning Star Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

She met her husband Lovett Oliver at Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego. They married July 7,1952 and were blessed with three children, Michael, Ralph and Linda.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Lovett Oliver, her parents William and Ellen Lawson, brothers J.D. and William Lawson and sister Thelma Lawson-Fair.

Willie Mae loved the Lord with all her heart and was proud to serve as a “Mother” at New Paradise Baptist Church until her health failed.

Willie Mae had many roles, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, friend and more as she joyfully and devotedly served as matriarch of her family. Her heart was one of gold that stood ready to help anyone in need with a giving spirit. Traveling, especially to family reunions, was definitely a highlight in life as she was able to greet old, and meet new, family members. Her smile and ability to treat and make everyone feel special was her unique gift.

She is survived by her sister Ethel Mae Lawson-Russ of Southlake, Michigan; sons, Michael Oliver (Pinkie) of Bonita, California, Ralph Oliver (Eunice) of Bonney Lake, Washington and daughter Linda Jennings (Ventoure) of San Antonio, Texas.

Her cherished memories will resonate with her grandchildren NaTashia Oliver, Nathaniel Henderson, Dwan Oliver, Jamila Harris, Marcus Oliver, Rev. Ralph Oliver Jr, Ventoure Jennings Jr, Brandon Oliver, Jessica Jennings and Alicia Taylor.

Great Grandchildren LaSalle Wiseman-Oliver, Devin Henderson, Meah Henderson, Brandon Henderson, Arman (AJ) Jennings, Ventoure (Trey) Jennings III, Darius Oliver, Julius Oliver, Connie R. Taylor III, Nora Oliver, Linden Taylor, Ralph Oliver III and Josiah Taylor.

Great-Great Grandchildren LaSalle Wiseman-Oliver Jr, Kendrick Wiseman-Oliver, Sarai Wiseman-Oliver, Aria Wiseman-Oliver and LaGenesis Wiseman-Oliver.

She also leaves a loving host of nieces, nephews and family members.