Ola Mae Bibb

FAMILY

Ola Mae Allen Bibb was born December 15, 1929, and peacefully transition from earth to glory on the morning of January 19, 2024.

Ola was born to Dallas and Daisy Allen and was 6th of child of 12 children, Mildred Mapp (d), Marshall Allen (d), Dallas Allen (d), Rev. Calvin Allen (d), Rev. Carl Allen (d), Ola, Daisy Wilson, Leroy Allen (d), Ruby Williams (d), Joseph Allen (d), Grace McBroom, and Deborah Western. Ola united in marriage to Marvin Bibb on March 11, 1950, and through that union birthed Rachel Bibb, Marva Truss, Marvin Bibb Jr., William Bibb, and Kimberly (James) Garrett. Another daughter, Tanya Manns enlarged the family some years later.

Ola possessed a genuine love for her family. If at any time a family or family member were in need of sanctuary, Ola and Marvin gladly opened the doors of her home. Recently a niece wrote her, thanking Aunt Mae and the Late Uncle Marvin for allowing her family to come and stay when they had nowhere else to go. In 1969 Ola along with her husband, Marvin opened their doors again and became foster parents through Franklin County Children Services, and a year later adopted then eight-year-old, Tanya. Some years later, Ola and Marvin continued to foster many children and provided care for siblings who needed to stay together.

Ola also enjoyed visiting the churches of her brothers, Rev. Calvin and Rev. Carl Allen. Ola shared a special bond with a niece Barbara Valentine and her daughter, Dianna Henderson who often visited. However, her pride and joy were her 12 grandchildren, Melissa (Mike) Thomas, Christopher Bibb, Chante Manns, Capri Quinichette, Tonya Quinichette, Marvin Bibb III, Allicia Bibb, Ramondo Bibb, Melendez Bibb, ILa Bibb, Austin (Riyeasa) Truss, and Yon Truss who she took on many vacations.

(d) denotes deceased

COMMUNITY

Ola Bibb graduated from South High School in 1948 and the Ohio State University School of Social Work in 1974. In 1969 Ola became director of the Southside YMCA and then senior director in 1976. Her most significant accomplishment was to solicit funds through the Community Development Act of 1974 for a new community center that totaled $313,670. The new Southside Y was dedicated in 1980, and programs such as Vacation Bible School, Girl Scouts, Junior Achievement, free lunch, baseball, football, cheerleading, and Kung Fu classes were held. Ola served on national board of the OSU summer recreational programs where children at the Y attended OSU NSYP (National Summer Youth Program) and OSU Upward Bound. Ola also worked tirelessly with the Ohio Department of Agriculture to coordinate efforts when semi-trucks arrived for mass distribution of cheese and peanut butter to locate agencies and churches for families in need. As past commissioner of Metropolitan Human Services, Ola also served on the Open Shelter Board, County-wide Development Corporation, Parsons Avenue Merchants Association and the Council of Southside Organizations. In 1981 Ola was selected Board President of CMACAO under the leadership of CMACAO executive Director, Curtis Brooks.

In 1986 along with her husband, Ola purchased the former Long’s Drug Store on Parsons Ave, and renovated it into a long-time dream of being restaurant owners. Kim’s Kitchen provided hot meals for many on the Southside, some with little to no ability to pay until they received their monthly check. Ola did not want anyone to go hungry. Along with many other awards and recognitions, in 1992 Ola Bibb was the recipient of the Doctor’s Hospital Golden Achievement Award in the area of Community Development. She continued her community involvement as President of the Stambaugh-Elwood Civic Association, and continued to solicit funds from the City of Columbus Street Beautification Project that added street lights and trees that improved the appearance of the Stambaugh-Elwood community.

CHURCH

All of what Ola did for her family and in community stems from a “labor of love.” She states, “It is only that I am possessed by the Holy Spirit, for in Him, I live, move and have its being inside that motivates me to always be reaching out for others.”

Deacon Ola Bibb is a long-time member of Hosack Baptist Church. She became chairman of Christian Education, and director of Hugh Pace Campership Fund that provided scholarships for children at church and in the community to attend Christian camps, Judson Hills and Camp Kirkwood. For 38 years, Ola, along with her husband Deacon Marvin Bibb operated Sharing Our Blessings food pantry under the auspices of Mid-Ohio Food Bank and her church. In 2002 a new building was dedicated and re-named the Marvin and Ola Bibb’s Sharing Our Blessings Food Pantry. Ola also coordinated efforts with The Open Shelter to invite residents to her church annually for a Thanksgiving brunch followed by church services. Under her leadership, Hosack provided and yearly distributed Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to those in need at her church and in the community.

For many years Deacons Ola and Marvin Bibb taught Hosack’s Sunday School Adult class. Ola was known for her exceptional knowledge of the Bible. One ministry close to her heart was being chair of Hosack’s Benevolence committee that provide financial help to members in need. And through the years, Ola served on various committees including the Missionary Society and she was one of the founding members of the Willie Mae Teague Circle and was recognized for 50 years of service. She was enjoy taking photos at church events and videotaped many church sermons.

To cherish her precious memories, Ola leaves her children, grandchildren, great and great-great grandchildren, her sisters, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and many good friends. Special people to Ola include long time caregiver, Evon Fleshman, and caregivers Gloria Amevo and Olivia Hatfield, and National Church Residence Hospice nurse, Chris Burns; Clifton and Beverly Latham, Mary Jane Byrd, Lula Williams, Mary Ogburn, Luddie and Gail Hatten, Donley and Sheila Kidd, Elder Gloria Burge, Pastor Von Thomas, James Jr. and Aisha Garrett, Deacon Luddie Hatten Sr., Min. Theodore Ross and Deacon Jeffrey Parker who ensured she had communion every month.

Preceded in death are husband, Marvin L. Bibb, Sr.; daughter, Tanya Manns; granddaughter, Melendez Bibb; sister-in-laws, Thelma Riley and Mildred Tynes.

Visitation 10:00 AM and Funeral Service 12:00 PM Friday, January 26, 2024 at Hosack Street Baptist Church, 1160 Watkins Rd.

Interment at Green Lawn Cemetery.