Olamae Mixon Malin

Olamae Mixon Malin, 102, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on August 22, 2025, after a long and blessed life. She was born on August 18, 1923, in a modest farmhouse in Kleberg County, Texas, the daughter of Ola Rose (McClanahan) Mixon and Perry Joshua Mixon. Raised during the Great Depression, Olamae learned early to lean on the Lord for His provisions while embracing frugality, gratitude, and resourcefulness. From the time she could sit on a stool, she joined her family in milking cows and caring for the farm animals. Alongside her four siblings, she rose early each morning to prepare breakfast, tend the chickens, and complete chores, all before she drove the horse and buggy five miles to school. Later, when her parents could finally afford a gas-powered vehicle, Olamae, ever logical and forward-thinking, trained her siblings like a pit crew, to quickly repair tires when flats inevitably happened.

Olamae was actively involved in 4-H, earning several top awards and being selected for a trip to Washington, D.C. Though the trip was canceled due to the outbreak of World War II, she was awarded a $400 War Bond in recognition of her achievements. That bond would later prove to be the seed money for her family’s first dairy cow.

After graduating from Riviera High School in 1942, she worked as a telephone operator in Houston and later at Celanese Corporation while also studying voice at Texas A&I University.

In 1947, Olamae married the love of her life, Hollis Malin. With her characteristic grit, she nearly single-handedly built their first home. Using her 4-H War Bond, they purchased their first cow and began dairy farming in South Texas. Life was hard, but she embraced it with determination, ingenuity, and faith.

When a devastating seven-year drought made dairy farming impossible in Texas, Olamae and Hollis made the difficult decision to move their family to West Tennessee, returning to Hollis’s childhood roots. In 1962, they purchased a farm near Holladay, where they began again with nothing but perseverance and faith. Once the family was established, Olamae set her sights on a college education. Balancing the demands of farm life while raising three children, she attended Bethel University, often studying late into the night after her chores were complete. Against all odds, she earned her degree in education.

In 1979, Olamae and Hollis moved to Knoxville to be closer to their children. It was there that her teaching career flourished. She became especially known for her extraordinary gift in teaching special education, always believing in every child’s potential. She was the type of teacher who arrived before the janitor each morning and stayed long after the school day ended. She built her own teaching tools out of wood and a saw, visited former students in prison when life took them astray, and poured endless patience, empathy, and love into those who were often overlooked. Her kindness and creativity left lasting impressions on countless students and families. She continued teaching until her retirement at age 70.

Even in retirement, Olamae never slowed down. She traveled the world, worked at Optimum Health Institute in San Diego, and even flew over the Grand Canyon in a small Cessna plane. She tended gardens and changed her own car oil well into her 80s. Her energy and determination were matched only by her deep faith in Jesus, which guided every decision of her life.

Her long life was defined by her devotion to the Lord, her love for people, and her fierce tenacity. Intelligent, grateful, and resilient, she lived to 102 out of sheer determination to remain with those she loved most.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ola and Perry Mixon; her husband, Hollis Malin, Sr.; her son, Darl Lee Malin; her step-son, Jerry Malin; and her siblings, Aleta Lemmond, Venetia Swain, Willie Pat Hollers, and Perry Mixon.

She is survived by her children, Venetia Karen (Malin) Peach of Nashville and Hollis “Buddy” Malin of Knoxville; eight grandchildren, James Lee Peach, Vincent Peach, Angela Peach-Frutchey, Adam Malin, Savannah (Malin) Brazzell, Aaron Malin, Rob Malin, and Hollie (Malin) Owens; 3 step-grandchildren, Denise (Malin) Tait, Cherrie (Malin) Emmons, & Rodney Malin; and ten great-grandchildren, Hannah Peach, Alexandra Lowery, Lee Peach, Bailey Peach, Opal Malin, Dean Malin, Cannon Owens, Esther Malin, Lincoln Brazzell, and Vivian Brazzell; and 2 step grandchildren, Kelly Jo Emmons, and Krissa Emmons.

Her family celebrates her extraordinary life—a life of strength, gratitude, faith, and love. Her example will continue to inspire all who knew her and all who follow her.

There will be a gathering of family and friends for Olamae on Thursday August 28, 2025 from 11 am until 12 pm with her Celebration of Life service at 12 pm at Tulip Grove Baptist Church 563 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138. She will be laid to rest on Friday August 29th at 11 am at Berry Highland West in Knoxville, TN.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to The Crown College, 2307 W. Beaver Creek Dr., Powell, TN 37849 or online under "Give" at thecrowncollege.edu.

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