


Obituary of James Wesley Oliver
Deacon James Wesley Oliver, born on March 12th, 1942, at Duke’s Hospital in Durham, North Carolina, was called home to eternal rest on January 29, 2025. He was the beloved son of Anna Oliver and was raised in Boydton, Virginia by his devoted aunt, Elizabeth Lee, who lovingly cared for him. He is preceded in death by his mother, Anna Oliver, his aunt, Elizabeth Lee, his first wife, Dorothy, and his two beloved daughters, Pam Oliver and Shavonne Mason.
Deacon Oliver attended Jerusalem Holiness Church in his youth, where he developed a deep foundation in faith serving the church as an alternate Sunday School teacher for pre-teens and a cherished member of the choir. After completing high school, he ventured to Brooklyn, New York in search of employment but discovered so much more.
While in New York, he attended Mt. Holiness Church in Brooklyn. Some years later he moved to the Bronx where he attended and became a member of the Holy Cross Baptist Church, pastored by the late Reverend Clarence Dorsey. It was there he accepted Christ into his life as his Lord and personal Savior. While at Holy Cross Baptist Church, James served as a substitute Sunday school teacher and a member of the youth and adult choirs as well as a member of the usher board. For a period, he also served as an acting deacon and trustee.
In New York, he worked a variety of jobs including in a factory, the Empire State Building, a hospital and even driving his own cab. While working at Harlem Hospital, he met a nurse named Dorothy, his first wife. This union bore two children, Pamela and Wesley. Some years later, Deacon Oliver was employed by the New York City Transit Authority, where he started as a token clerk, climbing his way to Train Operator and completing his career as a Deputy Superintendent.
After his retirement from the New York Transit Authority, he moved to Powhatan Virginia and married Necil, adding two additional daughters, Shavonne and Navonne. In Virginia he worked for the post office in Richmond. Later he developed his own Medical Transportation business where he employed a team of drivers. After getting acclimated in this part of Virginia, he became associated with a few antique car owners and began going to the antique car shows. This furthered his purchases of antique cars & down through the years, James entered his cars in antique car shows winning several awards & trophies and even a movie or two. He also loved traveling, flying and cruising. Some of his most memorable trips were two Tom Joyner cruises, a vacation trip to Hawaii, and numerous trips to Disney World.
While in Powhatan his service to the Lord continued. In 1994, he became a member at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, under the Pastoral leadership of the late James E. Robinson. While serving under the leadership of Pastor Robinson, he was ordained as Deacon and served in many capacities including Sunday school teacher, head of the diaconate board, and even a thespian. However, his most cherished time was singing with the James E. Robinson Memorial Choir and the recently formed Praise Team.
Deacon Oliver used his melodious voice to praise and uplift God and he loved every note! He inspired many with his love for God and for God’s people. His life was a true testament of his dedication to the church and its community.
Deacon Oliver is survived by his devoted friend Necil Oliver; son, Wesley Oliver (Karen); daughter, Navonne Morgan (Damian); grandchildren; Chris, Joy, Tara, Jenise, Isaiah, Maya, Judah, Josiah, Isaac, Jacelle, and Cayden; a host of loving family, friends, and church family. James displayed the love of God with everyone he encountered through his kindness, wisdom, and tireless service.
He was a devoted Father, Uncle, Grandfather and all-around family man. His legacy of love, faith, and devotion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Our Love
We met, we dated, we started our love & it grew;
We travelled, moving about, seeing much & from there we knew!
Our love took us from here to there - having so much fun;
Travelling, cruising, local & abroad & annually at the beach in the sun!
Our families became one & eventually included eleven grands in all;
Your love & kindness was shown to us so we could not fall!
There are so many memories we all have of us with you;
The cars, the trips, and some things you'd say, sing or do out the blue!
We will cherish all of these things knowing your life had a high score.
You will hold a special place in our hearts, now & forever more!
Of course, we all can ask GOD why....
That He came, gave you wings to fly.
So up in heaven your spirit lives on as you now sing more for Jesus;
But still it's painful, upsetting & so sad you had to go & leave us.
Our hearts are heavy, but we know GOD knows best.
Someday we'll come your way if we too pass the test!
James Wesley Oliver - Our Love
Written by Necil B. Oliver
Acknowledgements
The family of James Oliver would like to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love, kind thoughts, and prayers during this time of loss. Your support has been a great comfort to us. We extend a special thank you to our church family at Mount Zion Baptist Church for your unwavering support, prayers, and the comforting presence you've provided. Your compassion has been a true blessing during this difficult time. And a heartfelt thank you to K & G Catering for their service and support.
With heartfelt thanks, The Oliver & Morgan Family
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In Loving Memory
James Oliver
1942 - 2025
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