Gloria Jean Olive

GLORIA JEAN OLIVE, was born October 4,1952 in Hobbs, New Mexico to her parents Nathaniel James Lee and Betty Jean Lee. They moved to Portland, Oregon in 1956. Gloria was the only girl in the family of four brothers. Willie Lee, Ronald Wayne Lee, Rickey Lee and Larry Lee.
Gloria attended Jefferson and Grant High School. Gloria graduated from Grant High school in 1970. Right after high school, she was employed by Pacific Northwest Bell. AKA “Ma Bell” AKA “ AT&T” AKA "Quest" and after working there for over 20 years, she retired. She worked at Fabric Depot for a number of years as well. Gloria liked making some extra money on the side to help her hard working husband to purchase things she wanted.
Gloria grew up in a Christian home. Pastor W.E. Penick baptized Gloria, Ronald, Rickey, and Larry on November 7,1970. She was a member of The Seventh Day Adventist Church. Gloria loved the Lord and she believed in you being the best you can be.
Gloria and John started dating in 1972; It was a match made in heaven. He also met her little feisty 1 year old “God” Sister, Tina. On March 3, 1974 they joined their hands, hearts, and minds to become one.
To this union three sons were born; Absalom Johann Olive, Johntai Rashad Olive, and Justin Jermaine Olive. Gloria’s first grandchild by Justin is due February, 2020 “Janiyah Joy Olive"
When basketball season started, you would not just see Gloria, you would hear her as well. She loved, loved, loved to attend her sons basketball and baseball games. It was extremely difficult for her to sit quietly on the sidelines. She was definitely the cheer leader for her sons. There was no denying who she was rooting for. She cheered her oldest child Absalom on to victory in 1996 in Pendleton, Oregon to an all time record season 27-0 Season. What A Game!
Gloria specialized in cooking healthy homemade dishes for her family and friends. Some of her famous dishes were Mac. & Cheese, lamb, greens, black eyed peas, hot water cornbread and a host of other vegetarian and vegan dishes.
Gloria was always willing to lend an helping hand, whenever asked or needed. She served in many supportive roles in the church and community. She would serve you with her infectious smile in the kitchen and in community service. Gloria would support her husband in his many community endeavors. She also volunteered with her sister in law Balinda with “Donate Life N.W.” Her brother in law Bobby L. Olive “BoBo” was the state of Oregon’s first heart transplant donor on 12-4-85.keeping the message alive “Give Love.”
Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Betty and James Lee; her brother, Willie Lee; her father in law, Herbert H.Olive; mother in law, Martha I. Vanarsdale; her brother in law, Bobby L. Olive “BoBo” and Sister in law, Lorraine M. Olive “Cookie”.
She leaves to cherish her memory her husband of 45 years, John Olive; her sons, Absalom Johann Olive, Johntai Rashad (Yvette) Olive, Justin Jermaine Olive; her “God” Sister Tina (Kenneth) Cooper; brothers, Ronald “Wayne” Lee, Rickey (Wilda) Lee, Larry Lee; brothers in law, Herbert Olive, Brian Lockhart, Alejandro Beltran-Llerenas and Robert Burk; sisters in law, Balinda Olive-Beltran, Diane Olive, Beverly Lockhart-Burk and Racheal-Lockhart; Aunt Sarah VanArsdale, and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.

THANK YOU PORTLAND OBSERVER FOR BLESSING THE OLIVE FAMILY

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gloria Jean Olive, please visit our floral store.