Olga was born on June 5th, 1925, in New York, New York. She was the first of two daughters born to parents Derrick and Bertha Fenton (Pryor). Derrick owned and operated a Medallion Taxi Cab in New York City. For a few years, Bertha worked at a commercial laundry company before becoming the first Black woman to work as a Homemaker for the Children's Aid Society of New York.
Olga attended Howard University in Washington, DC, where she studied mathematics and language. In 1945, she began her tenure with the New York Telephone Company, and over the next 43 years, her career spanned various accounting and managerial positions. At the time of her retirement, she was manager of both the Tariffs and Training Departments. It was at the telephone company where she met Elaine Clarke Doar (Pulley), who would become her dear and lifelong friend.
Olga gave birth to her daughter, Carol Lenora, in 1952 and raised her on her own. In 1971, Olga married the love of her life, Calvin "Mitch" Mitchell, in New York. The couple lived in Greenwood Lake, NY until 1996, when they retired and relocated to Orlando, Florida, searching for a warmer climate and Mickey Mouse.
Once settled in Florida, Olga started a second career at the Walt Disney Corporation as a Disney Cruise Line representative. She was particularly proud to have been part of the "Opening Crew" when Disney Cruise Lines was established in July of 1998.
Olga was also an Exhibition Guide at Cornell Fine Arts Museum at Rollins College. It was at the College library that she began researching her family history, focusing on her great-grandfather, Joseph E. Clark, founder of Eatonville, Florida, recognized today as the oldest incorporated all-black municipality in the United States. Her research started as a hobby and formed the basis of her book titled "The Life and Times of Joseph E. Clark", published in 2003. Her book, widely circulated in Florida’s public school and public library systems, is available on Amazon.com. Over the years, Olga, the author, was feted at venues such as Walt Disney World, the Orlando Public Library, and the University of Central Florida. In September 2019, Olga was the guest of honor at the Maitland Museum of Art & History for an exhibition paying homage to Joseph E. Clark, who is also credited as one of the founding fathers of the city of Maitland.
Olga was known for her long tight hugs, impeccable diet, and fabulous sense of style. She had an unwavering love for family.
Olga is survived by her son-in-law, Brian Dillon, grandchildren, Jeffrey (Tanya) Dillon, Erin (Colleen) Dillon and great-grandchildren, Andrew and Sean Dillon. She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Carol Dillon, husband, Calvin Mitchell, and sister, Gloria Fenton.
Olga's family would like to thank the excellent staff at the Dr. Phillips Hospital and the compassion of the team at Cornerstone Hospice. A celebration of life will be held on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021, at 12:00 noon at Family Funeral Care, 13001 S John Young Parkway, Orlando, FL. (Doors open at 11:30 am).
"And This too Shall Pass"
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