Mary Oliver was born in Troy, Alabama, on July 3, 1947, to the late Annie Glen McMillian and Nathan Bar. She received her education within the Pike County, Alabama, public school system and attended Pike County High School.

Mary chose a different path in life and moved to Sarasota, Florida, with her four beloved children. She dedicated many years of service as a supervisor at Haverty's Furniture Store and Burger King. In the late 1970s, she became a devoted member of Mt. Calvary First Baptist Church, where the late Reverend and Sister Bennett welcomed her as their goddaughter. She remained steadfast in her promise to them, remaining a faithful member of Mt. Calvary for over 50 years.

Mary was as genuine and loyal as they come. She had the biggest heart and would give you the shirt off her back without a second thought. She kept some things private, but when it came to love and family, she was all in-fiercely devoted and always in your corner. Full of life, she loved to dance, cook, and be surrounded by the people she cared about most. But above all, she put God first and passed that faith down to her family, guiding them with love and strength every step of the way.

On February 15, 2025, at the age of 77, Mary Oliver gained her angel wings. She always told her loved ones, "Don't cry for me, " knowing her love would remain unconditional until her last breath.

Mary was preceded in death by her daughter, Sarah Dixon; her sisters, Annie Louise Owens, Carrie Bar, Mae Dorothy Taylor (Dot), Eula Cook, and Ruby Hazel Bar; her brothers, Henry Leverett, Ray Jr. McMillian, Willie B. Leverett, and John Henry Bar; and her stepbrothers, Zollie B. Leverett, Ossie B. Leverett, and Jimmy Louis MacDonald.

She leaves behind cherished memories with her daughters, Teresa Oliver and Lisa Dawkins (Eliseo), and her bonus daughter/granddaughter, Latoya Oliver; her son, Danny Oliver; her grandchildren, Erica Humphrey, Jimmy Oliver, Danny Oliver Jr., Jasmine Oliver, Braeantea Pryon, Lonnie Jefferson, Dannika Cox, Crystal Oliver, Eliseo Dawkins II, Desiree Oliver, and Nazaria Dawkins; and her bonus grandchild, Daqoune Tirene. She is also survived by her sisters, Emma McMillian and Ida Hooks; step-siblings, Ida Mae Leverett, Donna Payton, Minnie Leverett, King Leverett, James A. Leverett, and Jessie Earl Leverett; as well as a host of great­ grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Mt. Calvary First Baptist Church in Mary's honor.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Light of the World International, 3809 Chapel Drive, Sarasota, FL 34234. A reception will follow. Funeral arrangements by Jones Funeral Home.