Billie Maxine "Jean" Olson

Billie Maxine “Jean” Olson, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and sister, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on August 1, 1937, and leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and cherished memories.

Jean was preceded in death by her first husband, Samuel Lloyd Gulley, and later by her second husband, Gene Curtis Olson. She was blessed to share a full and joyful life with each of them, and their memory remained close to her heart. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Walsie Demoye Bridger; her father, George Mack Bridger; and her brother, George William Bridger.

Jean is survived by her beloved sister, Suzanne Kirkland and her two daughters, Debra Price and her husband, Ricky Price, of Mansfield, Texas, and Sandra Parker and her husband, Gary Parker, of Eustace, Texas. Her love extended to her grandchildren: Stephanie Schlegel and her husband, Anthony; Christine Smith and her husband, Joshua; and Tyson Parker and his wife, Taylor. She also leaves behind numerous great-grandchildren: Hunter, Faith, Samuel, Weston, Hudson, Harlow, Laityn, and Cannon.

Jean found joy in life’s simple pleasures—shopping, crocheting, dancing, playing games, and spending time with her friends at the 49’ers Club. She was also a member of the RV club and loved traveling with her husband, Gene. One of her most memorable joys was being part of a group called The Dizzy Chicks, a fun-loving “band” that lip-synched and pretended to play instruments to bring laughter and delight to senior citizens in their community. Jean’s playful spirit and love of making others smile shone through in every performance.

Jean spent most of her life as a devoted homemaker and caretaker, especially to her beloved grandchildren. Her home was always open, warm, and filled with love. She also worked and retired from Goodman Paper Company. After the passing of her first husband, Samuel, Jean began working at Motts Elementary School in DeSoto, Texas, where she served in the cafeteria. She loved serving the children of that school and often found joy in quietly blessing them with a special treat—buying ice cream for those who couldn’t afford it. Her generosity and heart for children left a lasting impact on many young lives.

Above all, Jean treasured her family. She was affectionately known as "Nana" to her grandchildren and "Nanie" to her great-grandchildren. To her daughters, she was simply Momma—a title that held all the warmth, strength, and unconditional love that defined her. Her love for Debra and Sandra was boundless, and the bond they shared was one of the truest joys of her life. She devoted herself to them completely and was their constant source of comfort, encouragement, and love.

Jean had a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, which served as the foundation of her life. She was an active member of her church Brook Hollow Baptist before her move to Gun Barrel City and began each day immersed in God’s word through her devotion time. Her family takes comfort in knowing that she now rests in the arms of her Heavenly Father.

Jean spent her final days at the Mabank Nursing Home. The family would like to express their heartfelt appreciation to Tiffany, Ashley, and “Little Bit” for the love, tenderness, and kindness they showed her during her time there.

Jean will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her kindness, warmth, and loving spirit will forever be remembered and cherished. May her memory be a blessing to all whose lives she touched.

A celebration of life service will be conducted on Saturday, April 19, 2025, at 12 p.m. at Eubank Cedar Creek Funeral Home in Mabank. The family will receive friends for one hour prior to the service from 11 a.m. - 12 p.m. A graveside service will follow at Laurel Land Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Dallas, Texas.