Oliver Pierre Duvernay

1970 - 2021

Oliver Pierre Duvernay was born on October 6, 1970 to Earl Wickman Duvernay, Jr. and Juanita Peters Duvernay in New Orleans, LA. He was the youngest of five children, namely, Errol Wickman, Dianze Iotha, Leslie Fay, and Lori Faye. Oliver was educated in the public schools of New Orleans, Valena C. Jones Elementary, Francis W. Gregory Jr. High, and graduated with the class of 1988 from Warren Easton High School. Oliver went on to further his education at Dillard University receiving a Bachelor Degree in Art in 1993. Oliver was reared in a Christian home where God was first and singing was always heard from the melodious voice of his father, realizing he would one day need to know that same God that his father sang about he accepted the Lord at the age of 8 and was baptized by his pastor the late Rev. Louis W. Smith, at the St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church. As he grew his desire for Christ grew, so he enrolled in Union Baptist College & Theological Seminary of New Orleans, earning a Master's Degree in Divinity. Wanting to share that knowledge Oliver became an instructor teaching a course in Greek, Baptist Church History and Old Testament Classes. Oliver later united with the Greater Evergreen Baptist Church, under the leadership of the late Pastor Edward S. Terry, Sr. and was licensed and ordained by Pastor Terry. He worked tirelessly alongside Pastor Terry as one of "Sons of the House" Pastor took him under his wings to mold and shape for the ministry. Pastor Duvernay met and married the former Michele Denise Hart, to that union one beautiful daughter was born, Kennedy Olivia. Pastor Duvernay became the pastor - elect of Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church on December 28, 1998 and was installed as Pastor on January 15, 1999 by the Louisiana Freedman Missionary Baptist General Association. God continued to elevate Pastor Duvernay, on May 27, 2005 after the passing of Pastor Terry, Pastor Duvernay became the Pastor of Central Missionary Baptist Church, he was currently serving as pastor-elect of Free Mission Baptist Church, where Pastor Johnny Jones Sr. has served for many years. Pastor Duvernay has a voice that could soothe the savage beast and could be heard singing through the city as did his father. He departed this earthly life on Monday, March 8, 2021. He leaves to cherish his fondest memories: his loving daughters: Kennedy Olivia (MIchele), Zuri (Destiny) 1 brother: Errol Wickman, 3 sisters: Dianze Iotha Lee (Richard), Leslie Fay, Lori Faye, 2 nephews: Jared P. Sr. (Jasmine), Daland R., 1 niece: Daija R.,1 great-nephew: Jared P. Jr., 1 great- niece: Journee', 4 aunts, 1 uncle, and a host of cousins, relatives, friends and church members. Oliver was preceded in death by his loving parents Earl "The Pearl" Wickman Duvernay, Jr. and Juanita Peters "Everything's Lovely" Duvernay. Family and friends are invited to attend his Visitation on Thursday, March 18, 2021 at The Boyd Family Funeral Home, 5001 Chef Menteur Highway, New Orleans, LA from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The Homegoing Celebration will take place on Friday, March 19, 2021 for 10:00 a.m. at St. John Devine MBC, 1763 N. Derbigny Street, NOLA 70116. Visitation will begin at 8:00 a.m. Rev. Kenneth Speaks officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, NOLA. Due to COVID-19 regulations, all attendees are required to wear face masks and adhere to all social distancing guidelines. Guestbook Online: www.anewtraditionbegins.com (504) 282-0600. Linear Brooks Boyd and Donavin D. Boyd Owners/Funeral Directors.