Ms. Sarah "Bitsy" Oliver's Obituary
Sarah Joyce Lawson "Bitsy" Oliver of Old Hickory, Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday November 9, 2022, surrounded by her 2 sons and dear friends. Bitsy was born on August 17, 1939, in Old Hickory, Tennessee to Shade and Lydia (Worley) Lawson… the youngest of their five children. Bitsy’s love for family was rooted in her upbringing in the village of Old Hickory – cared and loved for by older siblings and friends.
She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Jim Oliver, brother Shorty Lawson, sister Mildred Jean Mangrum, sister Dee Martin, brother Jimmy Lawson and grandson Bryce Daniel Oliver.
Bitsy was a proud alumna of DuPont High School where she was recognized as the Class of 1957’s Friendliest & Miss Personality. Attending the close-knit community of DuPont High afforded her several lifelong friends, none more special than her best friend since 3rd grade - Melva Meador. After DuPont, Bitsy attended Lipscomb University where she met the love of her life, William James "Jim" Oliver of Clarksville. Bitsy and Jim married at Old Hickory Church of Christ in 1958 and enjoyed nearly 60 six years of marriage before Jim’s passing in 2018. Bitsy fulfilled her greatest accomplishment as wife to Jim and mother to their two sons Eric Lee Oliver and Kris Lawson Oliver.
Bitsy’s passion and treasure was in being a lifelong pillar at The Old Hickory Church of Christ with Jim, who served as Elder for 30 years. Bitsy served in several leadership roles at the church including Bible Class teacher for over 55 years, 43 years of involvement at the church’s summer camp and founder/teacher/leader of the church’s day school program. Bitsy loved her family, loved to have fun, loved to encourage people, but most of all she loved the Lord and remained faithful to the very end.
Bitsy is survived by son Eric Lee Oliver (wife Danna) of Abilene, TX; grandchildren: Kline Oliver (Caroline) of Dallas, TX; Bryn Danley (Drew) of Bastrop TX; Cole Oliver (Katy) of Abilene, TX; and Ethan Oliver of Dallas TX; and son Kris Lawson Oliver (wife Libby) of Dallas, TX; grandchildren: Sam Oliver of Dallas TX; and Sarah-Kate Miller (Ben) of Dallas TX; and great grandchildren: Wendy and Juliette Oliver – Lana and Kian Danley - Lawson, Rae and Ruthie Oliver.
There will be a visitation on Saturday November 12th at The Old Hickory Church of Christ starting at 12pm, with services beginning at 2pm. Graveside services to follow immediately at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Churches of Christ Disaster Relief https://www.disasterreliefeffort.org/.
Spring Hill Funeral Home and Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Bitsy. 5110 Gallatin Road, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
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