Leola Oliver
1934 ~ 2015
Date of death: October 10, 2015
In profound sadness, we the staff at Veasley Funeral Home & Cremations, Inc want to express our sincere condolences to the Oliver family. Leola's earthly temple is now resting in the care of Veasley Funeral Home. Revelation 21:4 says, And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be anymore pain, for the former things are passed away. Be assured that in the days ahead, you will surely gain strength from the memories of
Leola Oliver. Sincerely,
Derrick B. Veasley ~ Director
Henry B. Veasley ~ Director
Pastor E.C. Maltbia ~ Chaplin
Leola Oliver, at the age of 81 answered the call of Jesus Christ on October 10, 2015 and transitioned this life assured for Heaven’s home. Evangelist Leola Hicks-Oliver was born August 9, 1934 in Helena, Arkansas and was the first child born to the union of Johnnie A. Hicks and Lillie B. Hicks (Gaddis). Leola was a devoted Wife, Sister, Grandmother, and Evangelist. She was educated in the Southern School system as well as the Detroit Michigan Public School system. Leola attended many sewing trade classes in Detroit. She was an avid seamstress and loved to play the piano. She was also employed with the Ford Motor Company for many years. After leaving Ford, she devoted her life to caring for Special needs foster children. This was all done in conjunction with raising several grandchildren as well. She had a genuine love for family and ministry. Shortly after arriving in Detroit, Evangelist Leola was baptized in Jesus' name and received the Holy Ghost at Eastside Bethlehem Temple of the Apostolic Faith under the late Pastor Buford. She was a passionate missionary-minister for the Lord. It was during this time that she met and married James Oliver, who was also a Holy Ghost filled believer. They shared over 50 loving years together worshiping Jesus Christ. Leola had a special passion and love for God; she assisted her husband in ministry as First Lady of the House of God where James served as Senior Pastor. Evangelist Leola also served as Second President to the P.A.W. (Pentecostal Assemblies of the World) and received awards for outstanding service and dedication to the ministry.
Evangelist Leola was preceded in death by her parents, Johnny Hicks Sr., and Lillie Hicks-Gaddis; stepfather, Paul Gaddis Sr.; sisters, Magdalene Daniel and Ruthie Hightower; brothers, Eugene Hicks-Gaddis and Joseph Gaddis; son, Gregory Hicks; grandson, Tony Weaver, and granddaughter, Chantel Parkman.
Evangelist Leola leaves to cherish in loving memory her husband James Lee Oliver; brothers, Elder Nathaniel Gaddis (Carlene), Johnnie Lee Hicks, Roy Lee Hicks, Paul Gaddis, Jr., Nathaniel Gaddis; sisters, Rose Mary Jones, Christine Gaddis Elam; 15 children, Lillie Bell Colvin (McKinley), Mark Thompson, Mary Hill (David), Sylvester T. Thompson (Ethel), Michael B. Thompson, Loretta Thompson (Cortez), Jamie Pearl Oliver-Johnson, Reginald Oliver,
Laureen Oliver, Marveen Oliver, Cornell Oliver, Berry Oliver(deceased), Lavelle Oliver (deceased). Over 30 grandchildren, 10 great grand, 5 great- great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Family will receive friends Friday, October 16, 2015 from 6-7pm at Veasley Funeral Home Memorial Chapel.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 17, 2015, 11:00am at True Holiness Saints Center. 198 Highway 286 East, Conway, Arkansas.