Olivia Ford Munson

1941 - 2024

Olivia Ford Munson
02/08/1941 - 06/05/2024
Olivia Munson passed away peacefully on June 5, 2024, following a lengthy illness. She was born on February 8, 1941, in Houston, Texas, to Col. Oliver Edwin Ford and Alice Olivia Smith Ford. She spent her early childhood in Crockett, Texas, and most of her school years in San Antonio. She graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1959 and afterward attended the University of Texas, where she pledged Kappa Alpha Theta. Olivia loved being an active Theta and served in many roles during her college years, her favorite office being pledge trainer to the younger sisters. After college, she taught school for a time before moving to London to work for Rank Xerox. Her time in London shaped her in many ways and was an experience she always treasured. After returning from England, she went to work for WFAA in Dallas, an environment she found very exciting. During her time in Dallas, she met and married Joe U. Munson, Jr., and they soon after moved to Houston and started their family. She threw herself into motherhood, which she considered the greatest privilege and occupation of her life. Her family was at the center of every choice she made and everything she did.
Olivia and Joe were active members at St. Philip Presbyterian Church for many years. Olivia served as an Elder on the Session and as a Deacon. They forged important and lasting friendships at St. Philip, including the Presbyterian Dinner Club. Through loyal and consistent attendance, they ensured their children were raised on a foundation of faith. In later years, Olivia and Joe were parishioners at St. Francis Episcopal Church and greatly enjoyed their time and fellowship there.
Olivia loved being the mother of four and all the chaos that entailed. From driving multiple carpools daily, to attending every school and sporting event, she showed up for each of her children in ways big and small. It was often said that Olivia "could run the world", but she chose instead to run the P.T.A. at every school her children attended.
As much as Olivia loved being a mother, she might have adored being a grandmother even more. She had a special place in her heart for each of her 11 grandchildren. She made sure to attend as many of their activities as she could and endeavored to be a constant presence in their lives. Christmas was her Super Bowl, and Olivia delighted in continuing the magic of the season with the next generation.
Though she selflessly volunteered with many organizations over the years, it was the Houston Alumnae Chapter of Theta to which she devoted the greatest amount of her time and her legendary, boundless energy. She served as President of the Alumnae Association and, for many years, as an Administrator of the Theta Charity Antiques Show. She wrote countless recs., mentored many within the ranks, and attended several national conventions.
Everyone who knew her will miss Olivia's energy, zeal for life, quick wit, willingness to jump in to fix anything, and her tangible expressions of devotion. All can be comforted knowing her wisdom and unconditional love endure.
Olivia was preceded in death by her parents and husband of 54 years. She is survived by daughters, Kathryn Adkins, and husband, Leigh; Joanna Rissmiller, and husband, David; Elizabeth Whitehead, and husband, James; and son, David Munson, and wife, Susan; as well as her beloved grandchildren, Will and Mary Kate Adkins; Olivia, Ford, Thomas, Andrew, and Teddy Rissmiller; Claire and Graham Whitehead; Ruth and Eleanor Munson. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia Ford Holmes; and her children, Holly Wukasch, and Martin Holmes, and their families; as well as brother-in-law, George K. Munson, and wife, Margie; brother-in-law, Eddy Cooper; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
The family would like to thank Dr. Jeffrey Lee and Lacey Osteen, R.N. of The Care Team Hospice, the staff of The Belmont-Hunters Creek, and the many kind caretakers there who provided Olivia with comfort and companionship.
A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point Rd., in Houston, with The Reverend Stuart A. Bates, officiating. Immediately following the service, friends are invited to join the family for a reception at Houston Country Club, 1 Potomac, Houston, 77057. A live stream will be available at https://vimeo.com/event/3628219/bc0cb8559c The family will gather for a private burial.
For those desiring, memorial contributions may be made in Olivia's memory to the Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation, directed to the Olivia Ford Munson Educational Scholarship Endowment Fund. Memorial donations to Kappa Alpha Theta Foundation can be made online at: https://www.kappaalphatheta.org/foundation/make-a-general-donation (at the prompt "Direct my donation to" select "Other Grant or Scholarship Fund" and type in "Olivia Ford Munson ESEF"). Checks can also be sent directly to Theta Foundation, 8740 Founders Rd., Indianapolis, Ind. 46268. Please add in the memo: Olivia Ford Munson ESEF., or to St. Francis Episcopal Church, 345 Piney Point, Houston, Texas 77024 at https://abundant.co/stfrancisepiscopalch/give or by check, please add in memory of Olivia Munson in the memo.