Willie M. Oliver

Willie M. Oliver, age 88, passed away on August 29, 2019. She was born on August 25, 1931 to Alice and Benjamin Byers in Crocketts Bluff, Arkansas and was the third of four children.
Our Lord and Savior gathered her in his arms and took her to her heavenly home where she will celebrate with her parents, brothers and sisters, family and friends who have gone before her.
Mom’s family moved from Crocketts Bluff to DeWitt, Arkansas, where she grew up and graduated from high school in 1950. She was a member of the band and active in her church. She was quite good at roller-skating and admitted she was a tomboy. After graduation she was employed by Western Union in Hot Springs, Arkansas. When Mom was 20 she met William Earl Oliver from Idabelle, Oklahoma and the two were married in 1952. They welcomed 2 daughters, Terri – 1954 and Jerri – 1957.
Bill’s employment required the family to move about every 9 months to different parts of the United States; Oklahoma, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, New York, Massachusetts and Texas. Mom loved to entertain and would play her guitar and sing for others and was an active member in the Baptist Church wherever they lived. She was a Christian, loved Jesus and had a loving, generous heart.
In 1967 Bill managed the local OTASCO in Rogers, Arkansas. In 1969, they purchased the OTASCO in Bentonville, Arkansas and remained in business until 1973 when they divorced.
Mom moved to Corpus Christi, Texas and worked for Bonner Supply until she was one of the 1st six women to be hired by DuPont as a lab technician. She left DuPont due to health concerns and studied to become a licensed realtor working for Century 21 in Portland, Texas.
In 1981, Mom, or Nana as the grandchildren call her, moved in with her youngest daughter and family due to continuing health issues. She helped around the home and assisted in raising her 4 grandchildren from diapers to diplomas. At age 76 she took art lessons and became efficient with pencil drawing. Her artwork has hung in the Corpus Christi Art Center while others reside proudly in homes of family and friends.
In 2010 she became a great grandmother, affectionately known at GG.
Mom followed in her mother’s footsteps in many ways and would never run from sickness. She was there to help others in their hour of need. She had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to flirt with all the young men at the grocery store, hospitals, or where the opportunity presented itself.
She loved clowns and even dabbled in stain glass for a few years. As she became homebound jigsaws puzzles became a favorite pastime. A personal caregiver, Rachel Anzaldua, was hired and they became fast friends always laughing and joking with each other.
Mom celebrated her 88th birthday with her family on Sunday, August 25, enjoying grilled chicken, potato salad, beans and a homemade birthday cake.
Mom is preceded in death by parents Mary Alice (Inman) and Benjamin Franklin Byers, siblings Willard Glenwood Byers, Mary Elizabeth Hornbeck, and Charles Leonard ‘Sonny’ Byers.
Left to cherish her memories are her daughters Terri Sue Young (Ray Young) and Jerri Lynn Rice (Stan Rice); grandchildren: Commander Brandon Lee Rice (Amy), Erin Nicole Jackson (Jeremy), Trevor Ray Young (Angela) and Dane Alexander Young (Karen); great grandchildren: Trinity and Shane Jackson, Ethan and Evan Rice; Several nieces and nephews and Care Provider, Rachel Anzaldua.
Mom was loved by many people; many have passed before her or moved away. We will all miss her and will keep her spirit alive in our hearts.
We all love you, Mom. Rest until we all meet in heaven.
The family will receive friends at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, September 6, 2019 at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 a.m. that same day. Burial will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.