Vicky Lee "Cowan" Oliver

Victoria "Vicky" Oliver, age 96, was born May 6, 1929, to Sylvia and Victor L. Cowan in Providence, Kentucky, and passed away peacefully on January 4, 2026.

During her senior year of high school in Madisonville, Kentucky, Vicky eloped with Donald Sloan Oliver. She later called it "the best decision of my life." Vicky then attempted to complete her education after they moved to Senatobia, Mississippi, but married women were not permitted to attend classes in 1947. True to her determined nature, she earned her final credit by volunteering in the school office and proudly graduated despite the obstacles.

Vicky worked for nine years in U.S. Civil Service offices as an accounting clerk and stenographer before joining Don in his State Farm Insurance agency, where they worked side-by-side for the next 25 years. Their partnership-at work and at home-was one of mutual respect and devotion.

A gifted communicator, Vicky excelled at debate and public speaking and played two musical instruments. Her curiosity and creativity filled every season of her life, and she remained engaged in her passions including art, music, gardening, cooking, sewing, and especially quilting. Her work earned numerous honors, including Grand Prize and Viewer's Choice at the Kentucky Fall Festival of Quilts in 1988, and was juried into the prestigious Paducah Quilt shows.

In later years, Vicky found purpose in her community at Buechel Park Baptist Church. As a member of Threads 'n Things, she poured her time and talent into service, helping to create hundreds of pillows for breast cancer survivors, baby quilts for Home of the Innocence, padded seatbelt covers for infant car seats, and countless other gifts made with care and purpose. Today, her artistry is permanently visible in the church through her embroidered and appliquéd altar cloths, antependia, banners and collars.

Vicky remained active and engaged until the last two days of her life. Beyond her creativity and professional accomplishments, she will be most remembered for her sharp mind, kind heart, generous spirit, and steady optimism. She had a special gift for making people feel seen, heard, and valued.

Vicky was preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Betty Cowan Arnold; and her beloved husband of 53 years, Donald Sloan Oliver.

Visitation will be held Saturday, January 10 at 10 a.m. with the funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218. Burial will be beside her husband on Tuesday, January 13 at 2:45 p.m. at Resthaven Memorial Park, 4400 Bardstown Road, Louisville, Kentucky 40218.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Victoria Oliver's name to Buechel Park Baptist Church, 2403 Hikes Lane, Louisville, Kentucky 40218.