Mary Alice Oliver Services for Mary Alice Oliver will be Saturday, April 3, 2010 at 3:00 at Poplar Springs Drive United Methodist Church. Burial will be in Magnolia Cemetery with Robert Barham Family Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. Mrs. Oliver, 93, Jackson, formally of Meridian, passed away March 31, 2010 at Mississippi Baptist Hospital, Jackson,MS. She was born in Epley,MS in 1916, to Marie Decelle Edmonson and James Prentiss Edmonson. She attended school in Hattiesburg and graduated with a Master's Degree in Education from the University of Southern MS. After marrying Winford Haley Oliver, the couple moved to Meridian, MS in 1945. For over thirty years she was a dedicated teacher and administrator in the Meridian Public Schools. For twenty years, she was principal of Oakland Heights School where she guided and influenced numerous teachers and children. She will always be remembered as an outstanding educator who made a difference for many people. Mary Alice's life was marked by her love for Jesus Christ and her commitment to the church. She served Poplar Springs Drive Methodist Church for fifty-seven years, holding many positions of leadership, such as Chairman of the Administrative Board, Chairman of the Finance Committee, and Sunday school Teacher. She was instrumental in the building of the present sanctuary at the church. After retirement she was very active in civic affairs, especially the Williams House and Merrehope. She volunteered to be interim director of Poplar Springs Pre-School. In 2003 she moved to Jackson and become active in Christ United Methodist Church. Survivors include her daughter, Patsy Oliver Robinson; granddaughter, Patricia Martin and her husband Brian; grandson, John Robinson Jr. and his wife Claudine; four great-grandchildren, Scott and Jonathan Martin and Emily and Olivia Robinson; and a nephew, James Williamson and his wife Cathy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Winford Haley Oliver; parents, Mr. and Mrs. James Prentiss Edmonson; and sister, Vivian Cucchiarello. In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to Poplar Springs Drive Methodist Church, P.O. Box 3333, Meridian, MS 39303 or Christ Methodist Church, 6000 Old Canton Road, Jackson, MS 39211. Family and friends may sign online guestbook at robertbarhamffh.com. Visitation will be held Saturday, 1-3 at the church.
