Mary Olivia Marrow

Mary “Olivia” was a loving and caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Olivia left this world suddenly on June 28, 2024, at the age of 92. She was the seventh child born to WillieLee Watkins and Charles Gilliam on May 9, 1932, in Stovall, North Carolina.

After graduating from high school, Olivia enrolled in Barber Scotia College in 1952 to pursue her dream of becoming a missionary and spreading the love of Christ throughout the world. Shortly after starting Barber Scotia she decided to change her career choice to education and graduated in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Several years later after the birth of her first and only child, Sharon continued her education by earning a Master of Science degree in Education at Temple University.

After numerous substitute and temporary teaching jobs she secured her first permanent teaching job at Robert B. Pollock Elementary School where she was 1 of only 3 African American teachers. She often shared this experience and many others she would encounter, further increasing her love of family, educating children, perseverance, and sharp wit. It was here that she honed her “telling it like it is” attitude which she delivered sprinkled with love. Olivia shared her love of educating in and out of the classroom, she believed knowledge is power.

Her love of family was particularly demonstrated in her passion for her two granddaughters Shelby and Courtney. In preparation for the birth of her 1st grandchild Shelby she retired from teaching. She loved visiting or speaking with her sister Geraldine on the phone daily. She never missed an opportunity to be with family and looked forward to family gatherings. She was a meticulous housekeeper she was the black female version of “Felix Unger”.

She loved attending church and her church family at Wesley AME Church. She was an active member until illness and relocation prevented her from attending. Her love of music ranged from gospel to opera.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a daughter Sharon Moseley, 2-granddaughters; Shelby Moseley and Courtney Moseley, and brother Robert Gilliam, and a host of family and friends.

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