Melba Faye Oliver

It is difficult today to voice the passing of Melba Fay Oliver on January 11, 2024, in Rockwall, Texas.

Melba was born on October 5, 1922, in her parent’s country home in Boswell, Oklahoma.  She was the first born child of Major Dewey Dancer and Ethel May (Mitchel) Dancer.  She was a devoted wife of Paul William Oliver over 47 years.  Together they raised one son Gary Michael Oliver now living in Garland, Texas.

Melba was raised on the farm with her three younger brothers Bud, James and Larry Dancer.  She grew up during the depression era in rural Oklahoma.  Her parents were farmers, raised a large garden, and a variety of livestock.  She learned at a very young age not to be wasteful with anything that was of use, an d she understood the value of working as a family.  She walked 3 miles with her oldest brother to a one room school house that covered all 12 grades.

Melba was married on January 4, 1941 to Paul William Oliver.  The first house they lived in was a five room farm house that was heated by a wood burning Franklin stove.  Meals were prepared on the cooktop and lights for the house was using a glass kerosene lamp or candles.  Paul was drafted into the Marines Corp during WW II and spent 2 1/2 years in the Pacific.  During this time Melba moved back to the farm and stayed with her parents and two younger brothers.  At wars end Paul returned home and they moved to Oklahoma City and eventually to Durant Oklahoma in 1950. 

 Melba was a member of First Baptist Church in Durant for 73 years and served her church faithfully.  She enjoyed serving on the fellowship committee and was a people greeter each Sunday.  She was especially proud her husband Paul who worked diligently to head up the television ministry here at First Baptist Durant and the television broadcast room bears his name. 

Melba is survived by her son Gary Michael Oliver and wife Bobbie of Garland, TX, grandson Kevin Brian Oliver and wife Angela of Rockwall, TX, Daughter-in-law Christy Oliver of Poetry TX, 5 great grandchildren and 2 of their spouses, and 1 precious great-great-granddaughter to be born this May, and many nieces and nephews.  She is preceded in death by her husband Paul William Oliver, Grandson Michael Paul Oliver,  her parents Dewey and Ethel Dancer, and her brother Ervin “Bud” Dancer.