Olive Pitcher French

"Well done, good and faithful servant." - Matthew 25:23

Olive Manson Pitcher French entered her eternal home at 2:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026, in Birmingham, Alabama, surrounded by her loving family, after a life beautifully lived in service to God and others.

Born January 30, 1943, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Olive was the daughter of Charlie and Sargent Pitcher, who preceded her in death.

She attended University High School in Baton Rouge, where she met the love of her life, David Lon French, during a powderpuff football game where he was the referee. Their lifelong love story began. Olive and David shared a devoted marriage of 64 years grounded in faith, commitment, and a deep love for their family.

Olive faithfully served at Sherwood Presbyterian Church in Baton Rouge where she sang in the choir, participated in mission work, volunteered in schools, served at a rape crisis center, and ministered compassionately to abused children. While raising her family, she also worked alongside her husband helping build his law practice for 15 years.

In 2007, she moved to Birmingham, Alabama, to be near her children. There she became a member of Asbury Methodist Church founding a craft ministry that created handmade items for organizations across Birmingham including Save-A-Life, the Cancer Association, and the Heart Association. She also volunteered faithfully at Oak Mountain Mission for many years.

Later, Olive joined Third Presbyterian Church, where she continued helping people by preparing meals for members, feeding the homeless, and faithfully making hats and blankets for those in need. Her life reflected Christ's love through humble acts of service.

Olive found joy in reading, gardening, helping others, and spending time with her family. She was known for her strong spirit and nurturing heart, offering encouragement and giving generously of her time and talents. Above all, she treasured her role as wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 64 years, David Lon French; her children, Lisa Ward and husband Horace, Rachel Bowman and husband Jimmy, David French II and wife Sharon, and Caroline French Hughes. She is also survived by her sister Rachel Morgan and husband John as well as her brother, Jack Pitcher. She is preceded in death by her sister Frances Pitcher Crosby.

She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and a loving great-grandmother to 14 great-grandchildren, each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride. She is also survived by 13 nieces and nephews and their families.

Though she will be deeply missed, her family rejoices in the promise of eternal life, knowing she now rests peacefully in the presence of her Savior who welcomed her home with the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Funeral services will be at Ridout's Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Homewood, Alabama, on Sunday, May 17th, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. with visitation and a reception to immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Oak Mountain Missions Ministries located at 2699 Pelham Parkway, Pelham, Alabama 35124 or by visiting online at https://www.oakmtnmissions.com

Services are under the direction of Ridout's Valley Chapel (205.879.3401) in Homewood.