Barbara Jean Oliver

BARBARA JEAN OLIVER was born on May 23, 1944 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Barbara was the youngest of two daughters born to loving parents, Luther and Effe Mae Williams.  She attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Oklahoma City, where she also received her formal education from Blessed Martin Catholic School.  Barbara and her older sister, Shirley were extremely close, some would say they were “As thick as thieves”. Shirley was Barbara’s protector throughout her life.

Barbara was a hardworking, single mother raising four beautiful children whom she adored; Deborah, Teresa, Linda and Michael.  In 1974, Barbara and her children move to Los Angeles, California, and eventually moved onward to San Diego, California.

In 1985, Barbara began employment with Civil Service at North Island Naval Base in the Plating Shop, where she rose to Supervisor. She retired in May of 2006 after twenty-one years of outstanding service.

In the mid-1970s Barbara, met her soulmate, Arthur Lee Oliver of the United States Marine Corp. They were together for thirty-three years;  they made their union official when they united in marriage on July 19, 1996. Barbara and Arthur did everything together. He affectionately called her “Penelope” and she lovingly called him “Dad”. She eventually became a member of the Eastern Star, while he was a 32° Mason and ultimately a member of the Shriners.

Barbara was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and the best friend one could ever have.  She enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends. She also enjoyed fishing, playing dominoes and cards. She will be greatly remembered for her beautiful smile, her wittiness, and loving ways.

In March of 2018, Barbara’s health took a turn for the worse and she was diagnosed with kidney disease. She fought a long and hard battle, yet she never complained nor did she give up. On Monday, June 11, 2018, She answered the call when the Lord called Barbara Jean Oliver from earthly labor to eternal rest.

She was preceded in death by two daughters, Deborah Williams on January 23, 2005 and Teresa Williams on July 28, 2005 and  both of her parents.

She leaves to cherish her memory, her loving, caring and devoted husband, Arthur Lee Oliver; her daughter, Linda Littlejohn; her son, Michael Williams; granddaughter, whom she raised, Nicole Streater; her best friend and sister, Shirley Garner; thirteen grandchildren, thirty-five great-grandchildren, seven great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces nephews, cousins, other relatives and many friends who will mourn her passing, yet celebrate her life.

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