Oleta Robinson, fondly known to those closest to her as "Meme," was born to Jess and Zadie Laudermilk on September 11, 1921. With loved ones by her side, she peacefully passed into Heaven on May 6, 2018.
Born and raised in Wichita Falls, TX she married Fred Robinson at age 16. She often told how they were not old enough to get married so they eloped to Oklahoma. The couple had one son, Robbin Robinson and soon moved to Los Angeles. There, Oleta learned to create dress patterns and design clothing for the Hollywood elite. Her talents caught the eye of famous designers and she soon landed jobs working for the likes of Ollie Cassini and William Travilla. Lucille Ball was so impressed with her talents she told Travilla, "Hire this kid, she is good."
Her work included clothing design and pattern making for the likes of Doris Day, Debbie Reynolds, Sharron Tate and the entire female cast of "Valley of the Dolls." Her most famous work was assisting, designing and creating the pattern for the infamous white dress Marilyn Monroe wore in the movie "The Seven Year Itch."
Tired of the hustle and bustle of city life, Fred and Oleta moved back to Texas in 1978 where they lived in Jolly, Texas and later moved to Wichita Falls. Oleta's favorite pastime was painting portraits and landscapes. Her paintings won numerous awards throughout the area. Daily she would watch Fox News to keep abreast of financial, political and world events.
She is proceeded in death by her parents, her husband, her son and sister, Dorothy Bynum. She is survived by her brother, Ronnie Laudermilk of Wichita Falls and sister, Loraine Wade of Los Angeles as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She will be especially missed by her niece, Connie Harms and husband Neal, who loved and cared for her for many years. Oleta often referred to Connie as her daughter she never had. Her great nephew, Eric Laudermilk, of Dallas was considered by all means as her Grandson. Great Nieces Sissy Ache, of Tulsa and Sommer Johnson, of Dallas and their children, Haden, Bryce, Tate, Savannah, Mylum and Ozzie brought endless joy and laughter to her life.
Funeral services will take place in Hampton Vaughan Funeral Home Chapel on Thursday, May 10, at 12 noon. Visitation will be from 6:30 to 7:30 on Wednesday. On line condolences welcomed at www.hamptonvaughancrestview.com
