The Lord's Prayer 

Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.

 Thy kingdom come.
Thy will be done, on earth,
as it is in heaven.

Give us this day our daily bread.

And forgive us our debts,
as we forgive our debtors.

And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil;

For thine is the kingdom, and the power,
and the glory, forever.

            Amen

Mary Evelean Oliver, 99, of Paris, formerly of Mexico, died at Monroe Manor in Paris at 4:40 p.m. Saturday, July 23, 2005.

Mrs. Oliver was born on Jan. 1, 1906, in rural Audrain County, a daughter of William and Mae Truitt Duckworth. She boarded in a Mexico home as a nanny and attended McMillan High School, graduating in 1926 as salutatorian of her class.

She attended Northeast Missouri State Teachers College in Kirksville and received her teaching certificate. She taught school in southern Missouri for several years. Upon returning to the Mexico area, she met and married Sam P. Oliver on July 11, 1931, during the Great Depression. Mrs. Oliver worked at the Continental Bank Supply Company, at the Airpark Restaurant and did seamstress work from her home. For many years she was a child care provider for family and friends.

Mrs. Oliver was active in her church, First Baptist Church in Mexico, having taught the two- and three-year-old nursery for more than 25 years. She also was active in the WMU women’s organization and a member of The Whatsoever Circle of Kings Daughters, and a long-time member of the Union Neighborhood Club.

Her children are JoAnne Potter and husband Ray, Paris; Sam Wayne Oliver and wife Lillie, and Vicki Mason and husband Don, all of Mexico; 11 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren and six great great grandchildren.

Her husband, a granddaughter Kim Abell, a sister Nellie Adams, and three brothers, Henry R., John T., and Roy Duckworth preceded her in death.

Mrs. Oliver had a warm, sincere, caring and giving disposition. Her devotion to family and friends was exceptional. She resided at the Kings Daughters Home for six years, sharing a room there with her sister Nellie Adams. In June 2004, she moved to Monroe Manor in Paris. In February 2005, Mrs. Oliver became the Valentine’s Queen for Monroe Manor.

She was affectionately known by her grandchildren as “Grandma R.” A poem written by her namesake great granddaughter will be read during her funeral service which will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Mexico with the Rev. Rick Smith officiating. Visitation will be tonight, from 5 until 7 at Pickering Funeral Home in Mexico. Burial will be in East Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be given to the First Baptist Church in Mexico, and may be sent in care of Pickering Funeral Home, 403 N. Western, Mexico, MO 65265.

 Pickering Funeral Home  
Caring Service Since 1884