Meado "Mae" Oliver

Meado Oliver, 96, transitioned on Sunday, August 24, 2025, at her residence, in Olive Branch, MS.

Meado (Sutherland) Oliver, 96. Of Olive Branch, Mississippi by way of Aurora, IL, left peacefully at home on August 24, 2025, surrounded by family. A beloved family member, Meado, affectionately known as “Mae,” will always be remembered for being a faithful steward in caring for her family, a resolute Christian full of love and faithfulness.

Born September 26, 1928, in Wolf Island (Charleston), MO, Mae grew up the youngest daughter of Reed and Ethel Sutherland and sister to five brothers: Reed Jr., Samuel, William, Clarence, Ervin and four sisters: Mary, Evelyn, Mabel, and Margaret. She was baptized and accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age.

Mae followed the Fruit Harvest, she moved from Charleston MO to Aurora, IL with her sister Margaret Jackson (Madear). The two sisters, bound by a profound love for one another, were inseparable. Living only one street apart they shared their lives in a close-knit bond. Mae worked as a Domestic for Dr Jerry and Janie Brady and for Dr. Jack and Patricia Abel. In her spare time, Mae loved working in her yard and caring for her dog Pepper. She cared about family and opened her home to many family members. She also had a special gift caring for children and knew when to be stern.

Mae was an avid member of Gayles Memorial Baptist Church, in Aurora, IL, for over 60 years. She was in leadership at Gayles Memorial Baptist Church under Reverend Truman Hazelwood, Pastor George Marshall and later Pastor McGowan. Mae was involved at Gayles Memorial Baptist Church in the women’s ministry; women’s auxiliary and she cleaned the church. She was a dedicated member of her church.

She was loved by so many and immensely by the Pugh family (Willie, Sue, Michael, Tameika, Josh, Deamontae, and Xarea). The Pugh’s served her with grace, compassion, and unwavering love. They were consistent throughout Mae’s life. Mae moved to Olive Branch, MS with the Pugh family. There she enjoyed sitting outside by the pool and being visited by her younger brother Clarence. Although in their 90’s, they loved and fussed like brothers and sisters do. Mae also enjoyed going camping with the Pugh family. Her niece Sue was a reassuring presence by her side, tenderly caring for her in her final season. Throughout her long life, Mae remained faithfully devoted to God, cherished her family, and nurtured lasting friendships leaving a legacy of love and grace.

Mae is survived by her younger brother, Clarence Sutherland (South Bend, IN) as well as her nieces Jeanette Carpenter (Lithia Springs, GA), Henrietta (Tommy) Sproles Little Rock, AR, and Sue (Willie) Pugh Olive Branch, MS. As well as 5 generations of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents Reed and Ethel Sutherland; husband, Lester Oliver, daughter Barbara Sutherland along with her siblings: Reed, Evelyn, Mary, Mabel, Ervin, Samuel, William, and Margaret.

Body will lie in state one hour before service time. 

Services will be held on  Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., at Serenity Funeral Home, at 140 N. Memphis St., Holly Springs, MS 38635.

Burial will take place at Cottrell Memorial Gardens, 450 NW Boundary St., Holly Springs, MS 38635.

Arrangements entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home of Holly Springs, MS.

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