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.

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.