Mother Elizabeth Oliver

Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver passed away Wednesday, August 31, 2016 at the age of 98 years. She was born February 23, 1918 in Monroeville County, Alabama, the daughter of John Bradley & Annie Bell Williams (Bivens). Elizabeth was the oldest daughter of nine children, of which there were five girls and four boys. She accepted Christ at an early age being baptized at Bethel A.M.E. of Pensacola, Florida after moving there. Elizabeth went to school but had to stop to help take care of family, working odd jobs with her mom and siblings. Around 1945 she moved to Saginaw, MI to better her life and to give her daughter a better chance of life. She worked domestic jobs for years and later on in the 70’s she worked for Sears & Roebuck doing janitorial jobs until they changed to an outside company. Elizabeth went on to better herself by attending an Adult Education Center on how to write, read and count better, even learning how to use a computer. Being a strong black and stubborn woman she wanted to learn to be independent. After retiring she and her husband Horace Oliver of 45 years or more of marriage enjoyed going to dinner and riding around the city looking at beautiful homes. Elizabeth served faithfully on the nurse’s guild and was a Deaconess for more than 20 years. Mrs. Elizabeth Oliver leaves to cherish her memory: one daughter, Julia B. Hartfield (Judy Bell) as she is known by many of Saginaw, MI; three grandchildren, Marie A. (Maurice) Washington, Regina L. (Kirul) Hayes, both of Saginaw, MI, and Pamela D. (Kevin) Thomas of Koshen, IN; sister, Ms. Minnie Williams of Pensacola, FL; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends including, Hattie Doxie, Gerry People, Catherine Primus, Laura Quarles, Dorothy Perkins and Janet Fiegil. Mrs. Oliver was preceded in death by her husband, Horace Oliver; great-grandson, Kenyon D. Hartfield; parents, Annie Bell Williams and John Bradley; brothers, David and Horace Bradley, Jacob and Sampson Williams; sisters, Annie Bradley, Willie Mae Tucker-Huff and Catherine Sanders; special friend, Ollie Booker. The family would like to express special thanks to great-granddaughters, Tokisha Hayes, Jackie Jenkins, Joslin Gaddus and granddaughter, Marie A. Washington. Funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 8, 2016 at Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, 535 Cathay Street. Pastor P. David Saunders will officiate with interment in Forest Lawn Cemetery. Friends may call at the Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue on Wednesday from 2:00-8:00 p.m.

Mother Elizabeth Oliver

February 23, 1918 - August 31, 2016