A Celebration of the Life and Legacy of
Mrs. Gilda “GiGi” Oliver June 20, 1947 - January 20, 2022
Wednesday, February 2, 2022 11:00 a.m. New Tacoma Cemetery 9212 Chambers Creek Rd. W ~ University Place WA 98467
Obituary Gilda “Gigi” Coudray Oliver was born in New Orleans, LA to the late Louis Coudray and Igetha Beasley on June 20, 1947. She departed this earthly life on January 20, 2022 surrounded and supported by her loving husband and sons. As a faithful member of Allen AME Church in Tacoma, WA, Gilda gave her time and energy to church fundraising events, served as the Director of Lay Activities, taught and helped organize Vacation Bible School and welcomed new members to the church. Gilda was a charismatic woman who would put a smile on everyone’s face and was an inspiration to her fellow church members. She was a charter member of the Tacoma Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, actively serving her community when she could. Her love for children led her to help charter the Tacoma chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc.; an organization that promotes the interests of children and provides social, cultural and educational opportunities for them. Gilda graduated from Dillard University in New Orleans, LA in 1969, where she received her bachelor’s degree in Education. Gilda was always open to new opportunities. Shortly after finishing her degree, she was recruited to Tacoma, Washington to begin what would be a 38-year teaching career. After marrying her true love, Mack D. Oliver, on July 18, 1970, they both moved to Fircrest, WA to begin their lives as educators. Gilda was passionate about education and teaching. She taught kindergarten and first grade, as well as working as a reading specialist. During her teaching career, both she and Mack were blessed with the opportunity to teach abroad in Lagos, Nigeria. While there, they fulfilled their dream to travel and see the world. After a successful teaching career, she retired from Tacoma Public Schools in June 2007. Fashionista - “someone who has impeccable style; a passion for fashion; is fashionably artistic; a visionary” this was truly Gilda! Her fashion-sense was unmatched and admired by many. She loved shopping and if ever there was a good sale, you’d most likely find Ms. Gilda there!
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Gilda is survived by her husband of 51 beautiful years, Mack D. Oliver, 2 sons; André M. Oliver (Aisha), Courtney D. Oliver (Eleith), grandsons Omari and Khalil Oliver, sisters; Emily Roubion (Sheppard), Sheila McMasters (Charles), and Agnes Ellis (Thomas) and a host of nieces, nephews and loving friends. She was preceded in death by her sister, Lois Venable, parents; Louis Coudray and Igetha Beasley. Favorite Scripture: John 15:7, If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you.
Order of Service Rev. Anthony Steele Officiating Prelude Processional
Clergy, Pallbearers, Family
Opening Hymn “Amazing Grace” Invocation
William Peay
Scripture Old Testament New Testament Musical Selelction
Congregation
Rev. Kimberly Sales
Myles Williams
Poem
Preston Tucker
A Tribute to Gilda
Maxine Hinchen Narva Walton Emanuel Crowder Debbie Tuggle Rita Chaudhui Lareasa Williams Theresa Steele
Musical Selection Acknowledgements and Resolutions
Myles Williams
Aisha B. Oliver
Reflections Friends (2 Minutes) Family Member Obituary / Celebration of Life Memories (Video Tribute)
Eulogy
Ronique Hinchen Andrea Kimbile Rev. Anthony Steele, Pastor Allen AME Church, Tacoma, WA
Benediction Recessional
Ministers, Pallbearers, Family
Active Pallbearers: Myles Williams Najja O. Bullock Dwayne Christopher Winston Christopher Robert Oliver Myles Johnson Honorary Pallbearers: David Oliver William Peay Nate Roberson Emanuel Crowder Bill Dickens Sam Mack
Life is but a Stopping Place
Life is but a stopping place, A pause in what’s to be, A resting place along the road, to sweet eternity. We all have different journeys, Different paths along the way, We all were meant to learn some things, but never meant to stay... Our destination is a place, Far greater than we know. For some the journey’s quicker, For some the journey’s slow. And when the journey finally ends,We’ll claim a great reward, And find an everlasting peace,Together with the lord. Author unknown Expressions
We thank you, family and friends for your gracious offerings of prayers, cards, encouraging words, telephone calls and text messages expressing your love and condolences. Your expressions of love and prayers serve as a continuous source of comfort today and in the days ahead. We offer a special thank you to Rev. Anthony Steele Sr., and her Allen AME Church family. May God bless each every one of you in a very special way.
In lieu of flowers
The family requests donations to “Mercy Ships.” By phone: (903) 939.7080; Please mention “In Memory of Gilda Oliver” By Mail: Mercy Ships Donor Services Dept., PO Box 1930, Garden Valley, TX 75771-1930; Include a note; “In Memory of Gilda Oliver” Online: donatemerchyships.org; dedicate gift “In memory of Gilda Oliver”
You can request an acknowledgment packet recognizing your contribution be emailed to dr.amo@comcast.net