dear Ernestine and Family our thoughts and prayer's are with you all at this time of grief and loss.Oliver was always a welcome face to see in the church of St.Nicholas. We always enjoyed meeting him at the parsonage with a smile and never complaining.Oliver was a Faithful enthusiastic reader.He really cared a lot about family,friends Church and God. Oliver is now in his heavenly home free from pain.

Nathaniel and Mary Pollard 

I am grateful, blessed and happy to have known Dad Wilford. From his sense of humor to his great cooking skills, and even a few serious chats, I hold cherished memories. My many prayers and condolences to Andrea, Karen, Pat, Daryl and Mom Wilford. We are sending you love and light.

Renee and Deborah McMullen

My prayers and condolences to the Wilford family. May the love and peace of God comfort you during this time.

I will always remember Pop’s warm style when he would come to chat with me when I visited Ernest and Andrea. He always says “Arnold how you doing” I replied  “I am good Pop. What about you?” He would say” got one problem -age!” Then would laugh heartily ! Pop was happy for life and loved his family a plus his friends old and new. May he Rest In Peace ! 

I just loved dad. The sing-song like tone of his voice and the way he talked, his laugh, his stories, his big bear hugs whenever I saw him. The way he embraced me as part of his family, from the first time I came to stay with Andrea during college, when they still lived in Detroit. When he found out I was getting married, he jumped in to offer to take my wedding photos. He rejoiced and delighted when I became a mom and just doted on my baby girl when we came to visit. He made sure I had his phone number so I could just call him whenever I wanted to.  He filled a much-needed space of fatherly love in my life. I didn’t get to see or talk to him as much as I would have Iiked in recent years; however, I am so very grateful for the times that I did. I am so grateful to be the  “4th sister/daughter”.  I will love and miss him always. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

If we do not laugh, we cry. While you feel deep sorrow at Oliver's passing, everyone wants to celebrate all the happy, joyous memories of him. All who knew Oliver was touched by his life and we should share every memory we can. 

Pops, you were one of the most amazing souls we’ve met in our lives. Saurabh and I are SO grateful to have known you as one of my friends in the neighborhood. In a short period of time, you were able to capture our hearts with your charming personality. We were able to build so many fond memories by just living across the street from you. We will miss your humor, tenacity, wine nights, random hangouts with cupcakes and most importantly, I will miss hearing your greetings from your bedroom window. From the bottom of our heart, we would like to thank you for always looking out for us and creating so many memorable videos to cherish for a lifetime. You will be missed tremendously. 

Love, 
Esha and Saurabh


Oliver and I have been the best of friends ever since he was an employee of the Laurel Cable Network Foundation and the City of Laurel. After his retirement, we continued to see each other on a weekly basis, having breakfast together at a local restaurant. Last year I would go to his house and he fixed breakfast. He was my dearest friend. Whenever we couldn't see each other in person we would stay in contact via Zoom. He became part of a small group that met weekly and won the hearts of the group. He was one of the kindest, considerate, and caring friends I had the privilege of knowing. I truly miss him. 

You will never be forgotten Pops! You’re forever in our hearts! We love you so much, Thank you for coming into our world. Our hearts are broken but we will see you again one day! Rest in Paradise, our beloved second Father!

Dad … I call  him dad  but  he wasn’t my dad as most Caribbean people will call our friends parents mom and dad to show respect…Myself, Arnold Ernest and Andrea call him my boyfriend 😂because when  I come to visit him   Andrea  and Ernest say he would clean up and wear cologne when he knew I coming over . He always had great Stories about his life as he had  so many . Andrea always would be surprise at some of his stories of  his life at times because  it is first time she hearing about them . A story I can remember the top of my head was how  he met his wife such a beautiful story….. He really was good dad (boyfriend)  rest well🙏🏽🙏🏽

When I learned of your passing, my heart immediately skipped a beat. You were such a kind and loving man. From the very first time that Andrea introduced you to our last long conversation, I will never forget how you made an atmosphere so welcoming and comforting. You will be missed. I will make sure I eat cookies (smile) in your honor! I will continue to be a friend to Andrea.   Love Alesha 



Such a polarizing personality, witty, determined and always friendly. I cherish the relationship we built as Father in law and Son in law. We shared many conversations and ideas and I admired your strength and resilience. Whether talking sports or poking fun at Andrea, we shared a special bond that I will carry for the rest of my life. You are so missed but I celebrate your time here. Keep watch over us Pop. I Love You Pop. Don’t worry, your baby girl is in good hands. I promise. 

The Fisher House Foundation

Funeral Mass

Repast Following Service

Burial

Oliver was preceded in death by his parents, Oliver Sr. and Alice and siblings Joe and Lena Mae.


Oliver is survived by his spouse Ernestine, his son Daryl (Sabina) Wilford, Patrice Harris, Karen (John) Dawkins and Andrea (Ernest) Veil; brothers and sisters James, Peter, Sylvester, Cordell, Kenneth, Gwenetta, Lestine, and Marion; grandchildren Endia, Danielle (Neil), Caleb, Aaron, Johannah and John; great-grandchildren Daniel and Devyn; his niece Danielle Stewart and a host of other nieces and nephews and other relatives.

OBITUARY

Oliver Wilford Junior

September 2, 1929 – February 6, 2022

Hines-Rinaldi Funeral Home

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