Service Details
Family and friends are invited to meet at New Omega Baptist Church (5731 Northwestern Ave) on Thursday, April 11, 2024 for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am.
A service celebrating her life and Homegoing will take place at 11:00 am with Rev. Fred Richmond officiating.
For those wishing to watch via livestream, you may click on this link at 11:00 am https://www.youtube.com/live/2o1TAJvoru0?si=cR_MVzCFfi8Bs7mR
Her interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery next to her husband, James.
Marie Antoinette Oliver, age 82, gained her wings Monday, April 1, 2024, surrounded by her dedicated family at home. She was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on August 13, 1941, to Selmar and Mary (nee: Henley) Offord. Marie accepted Christ at an early age. She loved the Lord, and as such, she was an inspiration and pillar within her community. Marie attended A.H Parker High School and studied at Daniel Payne College. She was united in marriage to James Oliver Sr. for 44 years before his passing.
She was civic-minded and active in her church, New Omega, and the Community Women’s Club Inc. when her health allowed. Her pure spirit and compassion for people guided her through life, making every stranger a friend. She began working in the late 1980s with Ebony Realty. Her strong, entrepreneurial, solid spirit pushed her to open her own real estate company, Marie Oliver Realty, which made her the first Black woman to own a real estate company in Racine, Wisconsin. Along with the real estate company, Marie owned and operated several different ventures throughout her life, including Oliver’s Temporary Service and Marie Oliver’s Accounting Payroll and Tax Service. She was known for her impeccable style, class, and grace in everything she did. She loved getting dressed up and being in fashion shows. Marie loved talking to her family, and keeping in touch with her distant relatives was important.
Marie leaves to cherish her memories her son, Charles Andre Bryant, Racine, WI; daughter, Keona Oliver, Tracy, CA; stepchildren: Artis Oliver, Tacoma, WA; Alice Oliver, Valerie Oliver, Kenneth Oliver, Ricky (Markie) Person, Racine, WI. 12 grandchildren and too many great-grandchildren to count. Sisters Cynthia Offord and Yvonne Offord-Person, both of Dallas, TX, Greta (Gregory) Benjamin and Selma (Steven) Swain, both of Birmingham, AL; brothers Eduardo (Margaret) Offord, Birmingham, AL., Ronald (Phyllis) Offord, Upper Marlboro, MD, Richard (Teresa) Offord, Killeen, TX, Boswyck (Stacey) Offord, Haymarket, VA; sister-in-laws: Gracie McMillian, Rebecca Oliver and Shirley Oliver of Racine, WI, Garnett Oliver, Oakland, CA, Carliss Oliver, Gulfport, MS. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and special sister-in-law Lorraine Barker.
Marie was preceded in death by her husband, James Oliver; parents, Selmar Offord Sr. and Mary Helen Offord; daughter, Shenita Bryant; stepdaughter, Vanessa Oliver; stepson, James Oliver Jr.; grandson, Nicholas Riley; sister, Gloria Everson; and brother, Ted Offord.
Marie instilled in all of us, and we will continue her legacy with the foundation that “only the strong survive and the weak stand by the wayside.”
Family and friends are invited to meet at New Omega Baptist Church (5731 Northwestern Ave) on Thursday, April 11, 2024 for a visitation from 10:00 am – 11:00 am. A service celebrating her life and Homegoing will take place at 11:00 am with Rev. Fred Richmond officiating. Her interment will follow at Graceland Cemetery next to her husband, James.
Jennifer J Ticer/ Turner says
The Oliver Family have the Turner/ Ticer Deepest Sympathy. May God Bless !
Demetrius Powell says
Sorry for your lost of your mother she was a good woman very smart always ready to work hard to handle her business may God bless her as she Rip hope that God you strength to endure this difficult time
I
Valerie Oliver says
Marie ,
2 Timothy 4:7-8 I have fought the good fight, I have kept the faith. now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day— and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.
Valerie Oliver & Coco says
To the Olivers & Offords family,
“Love doesn’t know it’s own depth till the hour of separation.” My thoughts are with you now and in the difficult weeks ahead.
Sharon Shelton Williams says
My family has known your family for a long time.Prayers go up for your family.
Ann Kirkwood and Family says
Sending prayers and condolences to the family and friends of Marie Oliver. May God supply all of your needs as you mourn the loss of your love one 🙏🏾❤️☀️🙏🏾
Mae Tucker Williams says
I would like to express my sincere condolences to the family. Praying for you all during this difficult time.
Linda Simpson says
Rest in heaven Mrs. Oliver.
Sheila N Grandy says
Condolences to the families of Marie, may God comfort you all during this time, 😔🙏
Snoop and Tracy Oliver says
Auntie you will definitely be missed. We enjoyed talking to you on the phone, affectionately calling us “Hot Pocket “, because we would call Uncle Jimmy Dale “Hot Pocket”. Our prayers and condolences go out to your family as well. We love you
Stacey Moore & Family says
We send our condolences , prayers & sympathies to the family .
Gracie G Witherspoon says
🪴To the family of Marie A. Oliver, I offer my deepest heartfelt condolences for your loss, and I pray that God keeps and comforts you through your grief. And to the memory of Marie, I lift my glass in a toast of honor and respect that she was a strong willed and determined Black woman who accomplished what she set out to do❣️
Anonymous says
To the Marie Oliver family. Keep your eyes on our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. He will give you comfort And peace. Art and Margaret Butler Bolton.
Margaret butler and art Bolton says
Keep your eye on the Lord. And he will keep you comfortable and peace. In this time. To the Marie family.
Candace (Ingram) Tate says
My condolences and prayers of comfort to the family.
Ricky and Joann McMorris says
Sending my condolences to the family.
Joanne Powell says
My condolences to Marie Oliver entire families. RIP 🙏.
Ella. Richardson says
To the family. We will miss Marie. We. Were close friends we. Talked and to lunch together had a good time Marie was a beautiful soul we always enjoyed each other. May God bless you all and keep you in his care
Ken Hamilton says
RIP, Marie, my condolences to the family. Racine Realtors including myself will miss you
Vivian Scales says
Condolences to Marie Oliver’s family. She will be missed.
Jacqueline, (Nick’s mom). A resolution from Nick’s children says
From Nick’s children: Nick jr. , Nevaeh, Nyah-Rose and Nia-Lynn.
“We draw comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in the lord and in our hearts. No darkness or pain can touch you now. Though your days with us were too brief and our grief at your loss will be never-ending, we draw comfort in God. We love you GG Marie”
Joyce Caldwell says
We will keep the family and friends in our prayers.
Anonymous says
“Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, Let us celebrate how brightly it burned.”
The Howell Family
The Howell Family says
“Rather than mourn the absence of the flame, Let us celebrate how brightly it burned.”
Hadiyah Offord says
Rest in peace aunt Marie. I have fond memories of her as a little girl at cookouts/reunions. She was always so beautiful and elegant.
Jacqueline Washington says
My Condolences to the Family rest in peace Mrs Oliver
Denise Freeman says
To the family of Marie,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. She will be greatly missed.
Charles and Glorious Hicks and Family🌟 says
Our condolences 💐 to the family.Charles and Glorious Hicks
Mother Mary Weatherspoon says
You were such a wonderful and industrious person to follow, and you will be missed.
Stephanie Taylor-Adams says
I’m was so sorry to hear of the passing of Ms. Marie. I remember when I first met her and Jimmy Dale when I was about 14 years old. I thought she was so pretty – almost 40 years later she still was. I know your family will miss her dearly. She was such a beautiful woman inside and out – a truly classy lady. Wishing your family peace, comfort and healing, during this difficult time. God bless you all.
Denise Mcwhorter and Ilena Cobb🩷 says
Salute to a great women that did her work here , Condolences to her family her sprit will still surround Racine with Love 💞😇
Joyce Shelton-Smith says
Praying for family and loveones. RIH
Brenda Allen, And Sibyl Allen Colman says
Condolenses ,to the family, of Marie. So sorry for your loss , Remember Jesus words at John11:25-26 .
Rev. David R. Green/Gregg Chapel says
I am uplifting your family in prayer. I encourage you to seek God in whatever you may need. God is a comforter even in times of grief. You have my sincere condolence.
Bobbie and Beverly Reynolds says
This woman here had such a good heart and soul. She was the best. I am so glad that I knew her may she rest in peace and may her family always remember how sweet and kind she was. My condolences to all of you. Rest in heaven, Marie💔🙏🏾💐
Cece House says
❤️