Brenda Gail Oliver

Brenda Gail (Williams) Oliver, age 82 of Somerville, Ohio, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, surrounded by her family. She was born on April 21, 1943, in Dover, Tennessee, to Lonnie and Helen (Taylor) Williams.

On March 19, 1960, Gail married the love of her life, James Oliver. Their 66 years of marriage are a testament to commitment, love, and devotion. Throughout her life, Gail had many passions, caring for others being most important. Beyond raising her own three children, Gail was actively involved in the lives of her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and many other “grandkids.” She was an active member of Tytus Avenue First Church of God, most notably with the Missionary Ladies. Gail was a great cook and never missed an opportunity to make sure everyone was well fed. She was not satisfied unless there were as many leftovers as what was eaten. She enjoyed “making memories” and celebrating life's greatest moments. Gail loved painting ceramics, playing games, reading, taking pictures of family, tending her extravagant flower beds, canning produce, and swimming with all of her “kids”. In more recent years, Gail took great pleasure in the constant companionship of her little dog, Kirby. Her family will always be grateful for the love and laughter she brought to their lives and will miss the stories and advice she shared.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Jerry Lee and John Franklin.

Gail is survived by her loving and devoted husband, James Oliver; children, Craig Oliver, Lori (Mark) Cottingim, and Kristy (Bruce) Cottingim; grandchildren, Cory Cottingim (Pablo Sepulveda), Logan (Kaitlin) Cottingim, Nathan Cottingim, Zachary (Katie) Cottingim, Kelsey (Whit) Sotkiewicz, Johnathon (Meredith) Cottingim, and Sonder Oliver; great grandchildren; Josie, Ollie, Eliana, Hazel, Hattie, Juniper, Harrison, and Baby Boy Cottingim who will be arriving next month; sisters Ruth (Howard) Jobe, and Ladonna Terrill, as well as many other loving family members and friends.

Private services will be held at the convenience of the family.

in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital, 110 N Poplar St, Oxford, OH 45056 c/o the McCullough-Hyde Foundation or visit https://www.trihealth.com/locations/mccullough-hyde-memorial-hospital/foundation/online-donation