VERNE M. OLIVER

OLIVER--Verne M. It is with profound sadness that the family and professional colleagues of Verne M. Oliver announce her passing on Tuesday, October 16th, 2012. Born July 18, 1922 in Pittsburgh, PA, she lived to celebrate her 90th birthday on July 18th of this year. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clinton Forrest Oliver; her daughter Carroll Phyllis Oliver; and two of her siblings. She is survived by her brothers Othello Lincoln McCarroll and Bobby Oswald McCarroll, her grandson Arthur New Moon Grant, and a host of nieces and nephews. Verne was a graduate of Howard University where she obtained a Master's degree in European history. She taught at Virginia Union University in Richmond before moving to New York in 1957 to teach at the New Lincoln School. She was promoted to head of the high school division, a position she held until her retirement in 1987. She then went to work as Associate Director of the Gilder Foundation, a private philanthropy, to make use of her vast experience in education to promote literacy in New York City Schools. She was responsible for the refurbishment and installation of more than 100 school libraries, benefiting innumerable children throughout the city. She worked tirelessly right up until the day of her passing. A public memorial tribute will be held on Monday, October 22 from 4:30 to 6:30pm at the New York Historical Society. All who knew Verne and wish to celebrate her life and accomplishments are welcome to attend. Contributions may be made to any school or library in lieu of flowers or other gifts.