Bobbie LaRue Johnson Oliver passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 22, 2018. Bobbie was born in Marydale, Leake County, Mississippi on February 1, 1931 to Ivy and Mary Lou Johnson. Bobbie was the oldest of four siblings: sister Irene, brother Carlton, and sister Rosemary.
Bobbie grew up surrounded by music. Her father sang in a quartet at church and her mother taught her to play the piano. Bobbie met Wiley Oliver “on the square” in Kosciusko during high school They were engaged for three years while Wiley served in the Pacific Theater. They were married on September 23, 1951, beginning a lifetime of love together that would span 62 years of marriage. Wiley and Bobbie lived in Seattle following their marriage. Wiley then joined the Navy Reserves and, in 1952, they settled in Grand Prairie.
Bobbie and Wiley raised three children, Richard, Betsy, and Susan and made a wonderful host of friends. Bobbie got a job at Chance Vought as a secretary when Richard was 9 months old and worked until he was in Kindergarten. She and Wiley later welcomed Betsy, and then Susan. Bobbie became a stay-at-home Mom until the children were older.
Bobbie and Wiley joined First Baptist Church of Grand Prairie in 1952, where Bobbie served in Sunday School for many years. She was also an active member of the Women’s Missionary Union.
Bobbie was very active with Grand Prairie civic and school organizations and served the city well. She worked in PTA, eventually serving as the President. She was also a member of the City Council PTA, serving as President. She later joined the Grand Prairie Women’s Club and served as President.
Bobbie was an artist and taught tole painting in her home studio. She also enjoyed sewing and making a lot of clothes, especially for her daughters.
Bobbie embraced life. She and Wiley loved to travel, visiting almost every state. She loved to laugh, sing, and have a good time.
As a young girl, Bobbie placed her trust in Jesus Christ, assuring her eternity in Heaven and a time of family celebration for a life well-lived and a new life with her Savior.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her husband of almost 62 years, Wiley Oliver; her parents, Ivy and Mary Lou Johnson; her brother Carlton Johnson, and sister Irene McKay. Bobbie is survived by three children, son Richard Oliver and wife Shirley of Grand Prairie, Texas; daughter Betsy Martin and husband Greg of Longview, Texas; daughter Susan Wadsworth and husband BK of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Jason Oliver and wife Jennifer of Grand Prairie, Texas; Katy Martin of San Jose, California; and Mitchell Martin and wife Chrissy of Sacramento, California; and five great-grandchildren, Michaela, Max, Logan, Ross and Hope. She is survived by a sister, Rosemary Kelly.
In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association in the name of Bobbie Oliver.
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