Gladys G. Oliver

Gladys Geneva Collins Oliver was born March 18, 1934, to Harvey Bradford and Mary Lee Marsh Collins who lived in Pinson, Tenn. She was a part of a vivacious group of six beautiful sisters including: Vernase Blackburn, Alenia Diggs, Naomi Murchison, Maxine Walters and Libby Michael. She married Robert “Bob” Arthur Oliver in 1952, and they built a loving family, welcoming Randy Oliver on Nov. 20, 1956. 

Gladys was multi-talented, and her career had many facets over the decades including factory work, she was an LPN at The Jackson Clinic, co- owner of Bob’s Upholstery and Antiques, and she also owned her own business that was called Geneva’s. It was an antique store that specialized in women’s dresses and jewelry, dating from the late 1900s to the 1970s. Gladys was an advocate for human rights and disability accommodations in multiple capacities, in her family and within her community for four decades. She was also an accomplished artist, painting fine China and she had tile commissions locally as well as in the Memphis area. She had a green thumb and a passion for flowers of all types, and Gladys and her husband greatly enjoyed many years of tending their gardens and inviting friends and family over for meals and parties. 

Following her example, Gladys was loved and supported in ill health by her son, sisters, nieces and nephews from three generations: all of whom were gratefully influenced by her kindness, joy and creativity, which was bestowed graciously upon her family, her friends and her community over a lifetime. She was a treasure, and her memory is a blessing to all who have known and been loved by her. There will be a graveside service at Parkburg Baptist Church for her to be planned at a future date.