Dorothy Marie Oliver

TO GOD BE THE GLORY On July 21, 1934, in the “windy city” of Chicago, Illinois Rev. Stroy Freeman and Mrs. Alabama “Alvis” Mitchell Freeman welcomed the birth of their second child, Dorothy Marie. Their first born, Rev. Harold Freeman, preceded her in death. Her parents were highly respected among friends and neighbors in the Chicago and Arkadelphia area. They raised their children in a Christian environment teaching them to love the Lord with all their heart, body and mind. Dorothy was an active and lively child. At an early age she was baptized at Shiloh Baptist Church in Chicago. She was a graduate of Morgan Park High School and later Wilson Jr. College (now Kennedy-King College). She loved to laugh and made friends easily. In 1946, her father Rev. Freeman established New Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago and at the age of 12, she was one of the youngest charter members. She served as church clerk under her father’s leadership and was a dedicated member. In September 1976, she moved to Arkadelphia and united with New Antioch Baptist Church where she served as a trustee. She worked as a matron with the Clark County Sheriff’s Department and maintained a 20 plus year career with the Arkadelphia Human Development Center. Dorothy was indeed an advocate of education; she loved children and had a special place in her heart for children with disabilities and special needs. She was a fun loving woman and a friendly person whose wit and smile touched the hearts of many. Being an avid traveler; it was nothing for her to pack a bag, jump in the car or catch a flight back to Chicago or elsewhere. She was an awesome cook and family “get-togethers” gave her a chance to showcase her delicious meals. Her lifestyle was modest, but full and fulfilling. On Friday, October 21, 2016 she peacefully passed from this life. Our world is much richer, because we were blessed to have Dorothy Marie Freeman Oliver in our lives. The sweetness of Dorothy is cherished by her two sons, Michael (Yvonne) Oliver and Kevin Oliver both of Arkadelphia, AR; Crystal Brittian whom she cherished as a daughter; one sister-in-law, Dr. Dolores Freeman of Glenwood, IL; her beloved grandchildren, Donnie (Michelle) Oliver of Spring, TX, Martha Hendrix of Little Rock, AR, Michelle Oliver of Malvern, AR and Ashley Brittian of Arkadelphia, AR; five great grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; her nieces, Andrea Freeman of Chicago, IL, Yvette Marie Freeman of Calumet City, IL, Yvette Marie Farmer of Calumet City, IL and Dr. Kieya King of Champaign, IL; significant other, Robert Williams of Arkadelphia; special children, Pamela Harris of Moline, Il and Barbara Howell of Arkadelphia, AR; best friends, Ruth Conwell of Olympia Fields, IL and Gwendolyn Harris of Chicago, IL. She also leaves to cherish her memory, many cousins, godchildren, Arkadelphia and Chicago friends; members of both New Antioch Baptist Church and New Friendship Baptist Church in Chicago, IL who will miss her dearly. Public visitation will be Friday, October 28, 2016 from 12 noon until 7:00 p.m. and the family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:00 p.m. A service in honor of her life will be shared at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 29, 2016 at New Antioch Baptist Church with Minister Martha Anderson, presiding and Pastor Llewellyn E. Terry, Sr., eulogist. The body will lie in repose at the church one hour prior to service time. Interment will be in Mitchell Family Cemetery.