Mary V. Oliver

Mary V. Oliver, age 82, of Fordyce passed away on Tuesday, July 7, 2015. She was born in Kingsland to the late Andrew Jackson (Jack) O'Banion and Dora Golden O'Banion on July 17, 1932. As one of 11 children born to farming parents, she learned the values of that life, sharing them through her life's example. A devoted mother and homemaker, when she worked outside the home she worked serving others in the hospitality industry or as a nursing assistant. Married to the late Millard E. Oliver, Sr., she raised her family as a military spouse, as he served in the Navy from the end of World War II to Vietnam until his retirement in 1968. Caring for her family and extended family, she has established a legacy of caring and unconditional love. She was a member of Fordyce First Assembly of God Church. Survivors include six children, Mary Diane Oliver, Millard E. (Butch) Oliver, and Ronald E. Oliver, all of Fordyce; Jeff Oliver (wife Brenda) of Benton, Deborah K. Martin, and Lisa A. Pryor, (husband Jamie) of Jonesboro; seven grandchildren, Aime Griffin (Clint) of Bryant, Susan Oliver of Hot Springs, Elizabeth Crouse (Roger) of Benton, Tiffany Bishop (B.J.) of Weiner, Virginia Higerd (Adam) of Pasadena, Calif., Terry Martin and Katherine Brewer (Gerald) both of Jonesboro; 17 great-grandchildren. Additional survivors include one brother, Abner (Pete) O'Banion of Globe, Ariz., and two sisters, Lola Waters of Parker, Ariz. and Gladys Hensley of Fordyce. Visitation with family and friends will be Friday evening from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. Funeral services are to be conducted on Saturday, July 11 at the Benton Funeral Home Chapel at 10 a.m. with Rev. Charlie L. Smith, her nephew presiding. Burial will be at Oakland Cemetery. Pallbearers selected are grand and great-grandsons Terry Martin, Clint Griffin, Gerald Brewer, B.J. Bishop, Roger Crouse, Ashten Lee, Jarrett Ryan, Oliver Pennington and Hunter Bishop. Honorable pallbearer John P. Long of Newport. In lieu of flowers the family asks that you make a donation to Arkansas Children's Hospital or a favorite charitable organization that supports family values. Arrangements by Benton Funeral Home of Fordyce. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.