Pauline W. Oliver

Pauline Wiley Oliver born on September 18, 1922, in Greensboro, North Carolina. She was the third eldest of nine children born to the late Reverend Phelon and Allie Mae Wade Wiley. She departed this life on Friday, December 25, 2020. Pauline was raised in a loving Christian home and enjoyed attending weekday evening church services with her father. As a young girl, Pauline developed the skill of hair braiding/styling and often called upon to style her sisters’ hair. She matriculated through the Greensboro, North Carolina public school system and was a proud graduate of Dudley High School. Pauline continued her education at A&T College, School of Business, where she met her late husband, Nathaniel Oliver, who she was married to for over 60 years. Due to her interest in hair care, she had a short stay in college. Pauline enrolled in the London Beauty School in Greensboro, North Carolina. Upon completion, she worked at Moon Beauty Shop. After marriage, Pauline and Nathaniel relocated to Washington, DC, and started a family with their two children Phyllis De’pree and Nathaniel Devon. She enjoyed having activities for her children and often had holiday dinner gatherings to include all family members and friends. Pauline was always praised for her tasty meals and hospitality. Despite her skills in hair care, she explored an interest in office management. As a result, she enrolled and completed the Cortez Peters Business School. After graduation, Pauline worked at DC Public Schools, Hine Junior High school for 30 years and retired as an Executive Secretary. As an advocate of education, she returned to school after retirement to obtain a Certificate in Religious Studies from Howard University. Pauline loved church, and it was exemplified when she became a member at Faith Tabernacle United Holy Church of America, under the leadership of the late Bishop Joseph T. Bowens - who ordained her as one of the first female licensed Deacons in the Church body – Deacon Pauline Oliver. At the church, Pauline was also a President of Willing Workers, member of the Senior Choir, and Children’s Sunday School Teacher. Of all of her various tasks within the church, she most enjoyed praying during the Intercessory Prayer for the Youth. All those who came in contact with her knew her to be a prayer warrior, much like her parents. During her latter years in life, she enjoyed the fellowship with New Home Baptist Church, Senior Ministry Day Program. Pauline was excited about and enjoyed raising her loving granddaughter, Phyllis Areca. Just when she thought she couldn’t be happier, her grandson, Brandon was born. She loved his visits because they gave her a reason to make her delicious fried chicken. She also enjoyed the visits of her great-grandchildren. In between raising her children and granddaughter, she was also a faithful member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She leaves the following family members to cherish her memories: Son: Nathaniel Devon Oliver; Granddaughter: Phyllis Areca De’pree Chism (Eric); Grandson: Brandon Jamaal Mathews Oliver; Great-Grandchildren: Paige, Madison and EJ; Sister: Ola Hawkins; Sister-In-Laws: Shirley Wiley and Blanche Mae Allen; Brother-In-Law: L.C. Oliver; God-Daughter: Tina Burgess; nieces, nephews, and host of other family and friends. The following immediate family preceded her in death: Daughter: Phyllis De’pree Oliver; Brothers: Earnest Wiley, Freddy Wiley, and John Erving Wiley; and Sisters: Ophelia Wharton, Mae Cora Tompkins, Sherdina Allen, and Ollie Mae Herbin.

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Pauline W. Oliver

September 18, 1922 - December 25, 2020