Carolyn Oliver-Wilkins,

Carolyn was born in Granville, Ohio on April 24, 1935 as one of eleven children to the late Lillie Mae (McMillan) and Rev. Augustus “Gus” G. Oliver. Carolyn passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 18, 2020. She was the proud mother of 6 sons and 16 grandchildren.

A longtime resident of Newark, Carolyn worked periodically as a caregiver and domestic for several families and later joined the Women’s Army Corps (WAC) serving a 3 year enlistment. Academically gifted, she would later attend the OSU Newark Branch earning her high school diploma and AA/LPN degree in nursing. She retired from a career in nursing at Licking Memorial Hospital. She was a member of Shiloh Baptist Church as a youth and Blessed Sacrament Church as an adult.

As a single mom, she worked diligently, saved, and purchased a house that became a home filled with family, friends, love, joy, good food, a lot of music and the never-ending sounds of 6 boys being well-schooled and groomed into men. Her life’s passion centered around a busy life of caring for family, friends, and co-workers.

Carolyn loved dogs with her favorite breed being Collies. She adopted 3 collies into her family over the years; border collies Shawn, Willie, Major and a sheltie named Oliver.

She was an eloquent speaker and an avid reader who compiled an extensive personal library of books, periodicals, dictionaries, and encyclopedias over the years. She also loved all types of music and assembled a large vinyl record collection spanning some of the greatest artists of the 60’s to 80’s from around the globe. She was known for her sense of humor and quick wit. She stayed current and active during the Civil Rights Era and beyond, discussing the politics of the Kennedys, Dr. King, the military, and other current events around the globe.

She also enjoyed taking her sons on drives in the family station wagon to visit family in other states, museums, historical places, recreational parks, amusement parks, zoos, symphonies, and rock concerts, attending the annual state fair, fall pumpkin festivals and more.

A very classy, glamourous, and stylish woman, Carolyn was recognized as one of the best-dressed nurses at Licking Memorial Hospital and always turned out in high style for public events with her boys who were dressed in coat and tie. She loved works of art and fine craftsmanship, and she amassed an impressive collection of rare Lladro porcelains, German Hummel figurines, Longaberger baskets and Heisey glassware.

Carolyn also enjoyed watching sports, especially the Cleveland Browns, OSU Buckeyes and her favorite Dallas Cowboys.

She is survived by her siblings Gloria, Willa, General Grant and Laura, her sons William Oliver, Frederick (Katherine) Wilkins, Colonel (USA ret.) Ed D. Stephen (Mayra) Wilkins, Lieutenant Colonel (USA ret.) David (Darolyn) Wilkins, Christopher Wilkins, Master Sergeant (USA ret) Xenophen (Mercy) Wilkins, Daughter-in-Love Pia Strong, 15 grandchildren and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.

Carolyn was preceded in passing by her parents, husband Wesley, and siblings Julius, Joseph, Walter, Jesse, James, and Jacob and her beloved grandson Aaron.

C

Private Visitation 11:00 AM and Private Memorial Service 12:00 PM Saturday, November 6, 2021 at MARLAN J. GARY FUNERAL HOME, THE CHAPEL OF PEACE EAST, 5456 E. Livingston Ave. (one block east of Noe Bixby, turn North on Lonsdale Rd). Inurnment at Maple Grove Cemetery 350 Maple St. Granville, Oh 43023.