Arnold Oliver

Arnold Marrell Oliver, affectionally known as “June”, was born on April 28, 1956, in Birmingham, Alabama to proud parents Eugene June Oliver and Essie Mae (Goree) Oliver, both of whom preceded him in death. Arnold was especially close to his mother. Arnold gave his life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at The Calvary Baptist Church of Detroit. Arnold was a product of the Detroit Public Schools and graduated from Martin Luther King High School. He received a full scholarship to Fayetteville State University in North Carolina where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education and later obtained a Master’s Degree at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. Arnold was a dedicated educator and family man who touched many lives. He began his career as a teacher in Detroit, where he also coached football, volleyball and track. He provided a strong voice in encouraging his young students and athletes to attend college so they could become successful adults. Many of them listened to him and some proudly became the first generation to graduate from college. After retiring, he later joined the staff of Regional Elite and became a supervisor for Prospect and G2 Services at Detroit Metropolitan Airport. On July 21, 1981, Arnold married the love of his life, Evelyn Joann (Walton) Mabry. Together, they raised three children, Larry Mabry, Lori (Mabry) Christianson and Lisa LaShay Oliver. He was a devout family man and a loving grandfather to is two grandchildren, Joshua and Sarah Christenson. As a family, they enjoyed traveling around the world, visiting Greece, Turkey, Egypt, London, Paris and Rome. Arnold especially enjoyed driving Evelyn all over the country in support of her genealogy quests. He also participated in numerous 5k’s with Evelyn. However, when she chose to participate in half marathons, Arnolds decided to observe and encourage her from the sidelines. Arnold was loved by many. He was remarkably close to his sister, Connie; his mother-in-love, Sally Mae King; his sisters-in-love, Beverly and Brenda; and his brothers-in-love, Donnie, Terry, Markee, Phillip & Kevin. Arnold leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Evelyn; his daughters Lisa Oliver and Lori Christensen and Sarah Christenson; his sister Connie (Kevin Strong); very close cousins, Cynthia Haynes and Katrina Bowman; nieces Alanna (Paul Griffin) and Jennifer (Gregory Ivory II) as well as a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Arnold Oliver

April 28, 1956 - September 23, 2024