Mary Jewell Oliver

1928 - 2021

Mary Jewell Oliver

March 31, 1928 - Jan. 4, 2021

Jewell "Judy" Oliver of Waco, Texas, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on January 4, 2021. Private burial is to be at a later date in the family plot at Oakwood Cemetery in Waco. There will be no services.

Jewell was born March 31, 1928, in Charlotte, North Carolina, to her beloved parents, Benjamin William and Vergie Horton Spain. She graduated from Central High School in Charlotte in 1945, Mars Hill Junior College, Mars Hill, North Carolina, in 1947, with an A.A. Degree in music (voice), and from Baylor University, Waco, Texas, in 1953 with a B.A. Degree in elementary education and a minor in English. She placed first in voice at the Junior Competitive Festivals of North Carolina and competed in the state finals and performed graduate work at Baylor.

Jewell married her beloved husband, William C. "Bill" Oliver, on March 7, 1960.

After graduating from Baylor, Jewell worked 11 years as secretary and administrative assistant for Baylor President Dr. W.R. White, three years, and Judge Abner V. McCall, eight years, after which she taught public school for 2-1/2 years. She was a substitute teacher for 20 years.

She was a longtime member of Columbus Avenue Baptist Church where she taught Sunday School, was Director of the Fourth Grade Sunday School Department, was a longtime member of the Sanctuary Choir, and worked with the First Call Ministry.

Jewell was preceded in death by her wonderful husband of 60 years, William C. Oliver; her parents; her beloved first husband, Rev. Albert H. Hodge, who was killed in an automobile accident cause by a tire blowout from an approaching car; a sister, Peggy Stewart and her husband, Joseph; a brother, Donald Spain; and a niece, Julie Laughter.

She is survived by niece, Terri Staley and husband, Ken; niece, Kathy Taylor and husband, Carlyle. She is also survived by great-nieces, Rebecca and Brenan Staley; and great-nephews, Stewart, Stephen, and Joseph Taylor; and many relatives.

Jewell loved her Lord, her church, Bible study, singing, reading, attending plays, symphonies, and other musical events, and exercising. She and her husband enjoyed traveling at home and abroad.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Columbus Avenue Baptist Church, Meals on Wheels, or to one' s favorite charity.

The family invites you to leave a message or memory on our "Tribute Wall" at www.WHBfamily.com.