Carolyn Phillips Oliver

Carolyn-Oliver

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Carolyn Phillips Oliver, née Carolyn Ann Phillips, died at her Columbia, Missouri, home on September 29, 2020. The cause was glioblastoma multiforme. Her children and grandchildren were with her throughout, as were her many friends and nieces whose visits, calls and letters of love and prayers kept her spirits lifted on what was a difficult journey. Excellent hospice care for which the family is most grateful eased her passing.

Born on April 30, 1935 in Jefferson City, Missouri, Carolyn was the daughter of William and Mary Alyce Phillips. Her family soon moved to Springfield, Missouri, where she spent her childhood. Carolyn graduated from St. Agnes High School and thereafter enrolled at Drury College where she pledged Pi Beta Phi; later transferring to the University of Missouri. There she went on a doubtful blind date and yet fell in love with David A. “Art” Oliver. Their earthly marriage spanned 56 years.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her sister Mary Susan Oberg. She is survived by her son, David A. Oliver, Jr. of Houston, Texas and daughter, Anne Oliver Bearden of St. Louis, Missouri, and grandchildren David A. Oliver III, Camren Roy Oliver, Audrey Renee Bearden and Olivia Anne Bearden.

Prominent among the civic and charitable organizations to which she volunteered her time over the decades were the Ruth Major Circle of the King’s Daughters through which she served on the Dental Aid Board, P.E.O. (Philanthropic Educational Organization) and the Columbia Art League. It was Carolyn’s wish that in lieu of flowers or the like that donations be made to one of these wonderful organizations.

Carolyn worshiped at Sacred Heart Catholic Church where a mass will be held for her on October 29th, 2020 at 1:00 PM, circumstances permitting. Attendees are asked to abide by those measures recommended by the Columbia Department of Health. Carolyn’s earthly remains will be interred next to her husbands in Fruitland, Missouri at a later date and the family hopes to host a celebration of her life sometime in 2021.

Visits: 3

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  1. Judith Elliott on October 19, 2020 at 5:25 pm

    We dearly loved Carolyn and share you grief.



  2. Jackie lLenox on October 19, 2020 at 5:46 pm

    Jackie Lenox Carolyn was a beautiful lady both inside and out. I will miss her gregarious personality and jubilant smile. My prayers and blessing are with her family.



  3. Sally Hays on October 19, 2020 at 6:30 pm

    So glad to have known her! She was a beautiful person, inside and out!



  4. Susan Brooks on October 20, 2020 at 12:27 am

    Carolyn was such a gracious lady. I have so many find memories of her I am so sorry for your loss. Susan Brooks



  5. Cynthia Barchet on October 20, 2020 at 10:19 am

    Condolences to the entire family on the loss of such a bright and beautiful soul. Carolyn was always kind and recently expressed her joy and thankfulness at being able to travel with her family in the past few years. She will be dearly remembered.



  6. Kelly H'Doubler-Crowder on January 31, 2024 at 2:55 pm

    I think of Carolyn so often and I miss her kind and generous presence. She and my mother were lifelong best friends with a charming past. On my last visit with Carolyn we spent hours at her kitchen table spilling over old news clippings, photos and letters prompting fantastic stories of their early days. It was such a wonderful, healing experience for us both, and I will cherish that forever. I know that those two lovely ladies are skipping through the heavens, giggling in the ethers and smiling down on us all. Sending love.



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