Olivia Smith

Olivia Smith, born Olivia Guess on January 16, 1937, in Tucson, Arizona, passed away on December 30, 2023, at the age of 86 in Tucson, Arizona. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

She was a graduate of the last Dunbar School class of 1951 and a founding member of the coalition that established the school as a historic site.

Olivia maintained lifelong friendships with her classmates from Dunbar. She graduated from Tucson High, attended Arizona State University, and earned her B.A. from the University of Arizona (Radio and Television) in 1986. She retired from her position as program manager for KUAT-TV / PBS in 1998.

Olivia served as a precinct leader for the Tucson Democratic Party and participated in a DNC where she had the opportunity to meet President Clinton.

She was an avid member of the Tucson Jazz Society. She was part of a crew for a hot air balloon, she loved going to parties and sharing meals with friends at Casa Molina, the YMCA, and Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center. She was an active alumna of both Dunbar and T.H.S.

Olivia had a range of interests that brought her joy. She loved reading, traveling, and watching sports. She also enjoyed concerts, Kentucky Derby parties, and Dunbar Reunions.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Marlon K. Guess Sr. and Geraldine E. Guess, and her daughter La Trina Anderson.

Olivia is survived by her brother, Marlon K. Guess Jr., her daughter Karen, her son Kenneth and his wife Glenda, as well as her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, grandnieces, and other loved ones.

A memorial service celebrating Olivia's life will be held at The Dunbar Pavilion in Tucson on March 30th from 1-4 p.m. The school is located at 325 W. 2nd Street, Tucson, AZ 85705.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Dunbar School.