Patricia "Pat" May Oliver's Obituary
Patricia May Oliver, 87 of Tulsa, OK, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at Inverness Village. Patty was born on November 18th, 1930, in Kiowa, Kansas, to Danschel & Nellie Mae Davis. She was the youngest of 3, having 2 older brothers. Unfortunately, Nellie died when Patty was 2. Due to these uncertain family circumstances, she was taken in and raised by her aunt, Mrs. Thelma Morgan, in Oklahoma City. Patty was a hard worker getting her first job at 13 teaching roller-skating at the local skating rink where she worked for the next 3 years. She attended Central High School in Oklahoma City, where she excelled, graduating early to attend a 2-year business school before moving her family to Tulsa in 1954. In Tulsa, Pat began what would be a 35-year commitment to the Tulsa Public Schools. She initially worked as a secretary at the Tulsa Board of Education and then spent 4 years as the secretary at Hoover Elementary. She returned to the Board of Education where she would become Secretary to 4 Superintendents: Drs. Charles Mason, Bruce Howell, Larry Zenke and Gordon Cawelti. In addition, Pat became the Clerk to the Tulsa Board of Education. In 1986, the Tulsa World published an article recognizing her many contributions to public education. Pat was also finding ways to make a difference away from work. Noticing a lack of attendance at her children’s sporting events she founded Whitney Jr. High’s Pep Club. This was a highly successful program for the students, raising attendance and enthusiasm as well as inspiring other schools around the city to develop similar programs. After retirement Pat became interested in ceramics and painting, which led her to act as a docent at Philbrook Museum. Additionally, she served as an active member of the Auxiliary Salvation Army, as well as President for 2 years of the Knife and Fork Club. Pat and Carl were longtime members of First Christian Church, and enjoyed membership in the Double Ring class. Pat was predeceased by her eldest brother Marshall Davis, and her aunt, Thelma Morgan. She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Dr. Byron Carl Oliver; her brother Carroll Davis of Seattle, Washington; 2 children, Mike Hedrick and wife Karen of Ketchum, Oklahoma; Melissa Hedrick Levoff and husband John, of Beverly Hills, California; 2 step daughters, Catherine Oliver of Taos, New Mexico; Carolyn Oliver Knoll and husband Butch of Tulsa. In addition, she had 15 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.Funeral services will be at Floral Haven Cemetery on Monday, January 15, 2018, at 12:30 p.m., Pastor Rick Davis, presiding. Public viewing will be held Sunday at Floral Haven between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m. Access Floral Haven’s website to leave memories or messages of condolence for the family.The family encourages that any charitable donations be made in Pat’s name to the Foundation for Tulsa Schools, which can be located at www. Foundationfortulsaschools.org.
What’s your fondest memory of Patricia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Patricia?
Share a story where Patricia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Patricia you’ll never forget.
How did Patricia make you smile?