Bobbie Lawson Oliver

Bobbie Lawson Oliver, 86, of Rocky Mount, VA passed away Monday, November 26, 2018 while surrounded by loved ones. She was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Our mother was a kind, loving, generous and sweet soul. She loved her family, and God. She was a longtime member of Franklin Heights Baptist Church. She was a Lawson from Lawsonville, NC. The 2 ^nd eldest of five children – 4 girls and a boy. She was affectionately known as one of the “Lawson girls”. She was set to attend Appalachian State Teachers College (now Appalachian State University), but gave up her opportunity so our father could attend college as a medical student. Luckily, our father later decided on the building industry instead of medicine which brought them to Rocky Mount. She was forever the great woman behind the great man. After our father’s death, she took over sole management of the family commercial real estate business which grew and prospered under her 25 years of leadership. Mom worked tirelessly with Nina Bowles for Franklin Heights to become part of the Town of Rocky Mount so residents could be provided greater public services. Another passion was growing flowers and gardening. It brought her much peace and happiness. She had a green hand, not just a green thumb. Our mother loved living in Franklin Heights and raising her children there as well. She was grateful for the love and support of her lifelong next door neighbors, Jean Alderman and Nina Bowles. It was her desire to stay at home as long as possible. She deserved to have her every need and wish fulfilled. Fortunately, we were able to do this with the additional help of her great caregivers: Irene Mattox, Erma Gearhart and Sharon Tyree. They loved “Miss B” and she loved them. Without question, you were the best mother a person could have. We will miss your quick wit, those beautiful blue eyes and your welcoming smile. She is preceded in death by her husband, O. Z. “Lote” Oliver, parents: Oscar and Noel Lawson and sisters: Betty Lawson Gregory and Shirley Lawson Powell. Survived by her children: Kenny Oliver and his wife, Angela; Jan Oliver and her partner, Kim Kort; and Perry Oliver and wife, Lisa. Plus her couch buddy cat, Sadie which she shared with her neighbor, Jean. Her grandchildren: Ashleigh Oliver; Jessica Toscano and her husband, Travis; Brittany Oliver and her fiancé, Travis Byrd; Morgan Furches and her husband, Daniel; and Joshua Oliver and his fiancé, Sarah Hughes. Her sister, Mary Lawson Fitts and brother, Edward T. Lawson and nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, we ask that you donate to the Bobbie Lawson Oliver Memorial Fund established at either charity: Alzheimer’s Association – Roanoke Office, 3959 Electric Rd, Suite 357; Roanoke, VA 24018 or Presbyterian Children’s Home of the Highlands (PCHH), P O Box 545, Wytheville, VA 24382. Funeral services will be held 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 1, 2018 at Franklin Heights Church. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 12 noon. Arrangements by Flora Funeral Service and Cremation Center, Rocky Mount.