Willie Lee Oliver
April 28, 1948 - February 13, 2009
Obituary
Rev. Willie Lee Oliver was born on April 28, 1948 in Prescott, Arkansas to Lola Mae Smith and John Willie Oliver. God called him home peacefully on Friday, February 13, 2009 at the Swedish Hospital in Seattle,
Washington. Willie worked as an Upholsterer for his late father, Rev. John W. Oliver at Oliver’s Upholstery and for Metro Transit until his retirement
in 2004. Willie was preceded in death by his mother, Lola Mae Smith, and his parents, Rev. John W. and Mrs. Ida G. Oliver. He leaves to cherish his loving and devoted wife, LaNora Oliver; her parents, Robert and Petress Johnson, sister-in-law, Kathleen Alexander; his children, Keisha, Jerrell,
Jacob, Lenard, Jennell, Crystal, Kawanna, Heather, Eric, Markila, and Jamaal; a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren; three brothers, Rev.John Isabell Oliver, and Travis P. Barnes, Jr. and Fiancee Makeda Ebube of Seattle, Washington, Rev. Charles Debra Oliver of Dayton, Ohio; five
sisters, Rheba Vernon Johnson of Las Vegas, Nevada, Dianna M. Loggins, Patti Tony Bailey and Vada Oliver-Talbert of Seattle, Washington, Gloria Michael Parham of Freeman, Virginia; one uncle, Frank CatherineWilliams of Seattle, Washington; one aunt, Milas Navel King of Houston, Texas; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, and extended family and friends. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. The final public viewing will be held at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway in Seattle on
Thursday, February 19, 2009 from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 21, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. at the Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2801 South Jackson Street in Seattle.
Rev. Robert L. Manaway, Sr. will be officiating.
To Deaconess Gloria Parharm and Family,
I am truly sorry for your loss and I pray that God contiues you to bless you and enourage you through this difficult time.
Deepest Sympathy
Michelle Jones
Dear Family of Willie Oliver,
I am sorry about the loss of your loved one. Words cannot describe feelings in a time like this.Many have found comfort in the Bible’s promises of seeing our past loved ones again such as at John 5 verses 28 and 29. Take care of yourselves and keep memories of your past loved close.
We were so saddened to hear of your loss. I fondly remember being a little girl and watching Willie sing at church Trinity. I think I had a crush on him. lol He was tall and had that long curl and then could sing like an angel! I was only like 8 or 9 but I was in total awe. I know that he will be terribly missed. We are praying for the family that God’s strength would undergird you, His peace would cover you and His love would fill you in this time.
I am so sorry to hear about Willie. Haven’t seen any of you guys in forever, but seeing his pic made all the memories rush back in. I could’ve listened to him sing all day…such an anointed voice. I thank God for his willingness to share his gift with all. Pls. know that our prayers are with you and that God will heal your heart swiftly. This I know He can do—He did it for me.
John; So sorry to hear of your loss. I’ll remember Willie for his soft spirit and gentle soothing smile and friendship. I was a young pup when I entered the old Metro, remember, you were on the interview board…what were you thinking when you folks hired me ??? Hope you are well, although I will not be able to attend Willies’ funeral, I will be there in spirit and will always remember his always present gentle smile…he is a good friend, Heaven will be a better place with him there, we will be together again AMEN ! Jack
LaNora, our continued love and prayers will always be with you. Thank you for making my brother HAPPY in the time you both spent together. God Bless you!!!
You will be missed! My only regret is I never got to say goodbye! You were one of the sweetest, most sincere men in my life. Cared for all who surrounded him. I remember as a child sitting on his lap watching sesame street. I still cry every time I watch it with my daughter. I can here him as if he were in the same room as me calling for my sister, “Butt-nins!” I miss you so much, but I know that you are watching over our family!
Rev Hattie Johnson
I didn’t know him for very long I met him when I was 17 he was a missing piece of my puzzle and we got to know each other very well he will be missed and I am on a journey of self-discovery and want to pay my respects even though it’s been a long time thanks Dad