GAY CHANDLER OLIVER
Gay Chandler Oliver, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend, returned home to be with her Heavenly Father on Friday, December 30, 2022.
Gay was born together with a twin sister, Kay, on November 22, 1938 in Palestine, Texas to Ruth and Freeman Chandler. In 1955, their family moved to Yorktown, Texas. Gay was chosen FFA Sweetheart of Texas in 1956 before graduating from Yorktown High School. She was Miss Yorktown in 1957. While attending Sam Houston State College, she was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority and was elected Miss Sam Houston State in 1958.
While attending Sam Houston, she met Gale Oliver III who was studying at
Texas A&M. After an exciting courtship, she married the love of her life in January 1961. They shared a beautiful and loving life together for over 59 years until Gale’s death in July 2020.
Gale served in the military after graduating from Texas A&M in 1960 and they lived in Georgia and Killeen, Texas for a short time before moving to Houston. Gale retired from the military to start his business career while Gay left her job at Tennessee Gas Co. to raise their two children, Kathy and Gale Hamilton.
Her family was her first priority and she delighted in caring for all of them.
Gay had countless friends. She loved to play tennis and was active in the Houston Junior Forum in her 30’s and 40’s. She was also active in Memorial Drive United Methodist Church where she was a member since 1968.
Her greatest passions were to read, hunt for antiques and travel while one of her greatest joy’s was attending Texas A&M sporting events with Gale, her children and her Aggie friends. She also became known for her delicious chocolate chip cookies even convincing Gale to participate in the process from time to time. So many lucky recipients were known to say “no one can make chocolate chip cookies like Gay!”
Gay was beautiful, warm and loving - always wearing a big bright smile that lit up any room she entered. Everyone loved her gracious, gentle, and humble demeanor and those most close to her were keenly aware of her sweet nature. She especially adored her grandchildren, Parker and Kyle Oliver and her many nieces and nephews.
Gay was predeceased by her parents Ruth and Freeman Chandler, her sister Kay Roeder, her mother and father inlaw, Frances and Gale Oliver Jr. and her husband Gale Oliver III. She is survived by her children, Kathy Oliver (Brian), Gale Hamilton Oliver (Tricia); her grandchildren Parker and Kyle Oliver; her brother’s - in - law, William Oliver (Coylene), Alex Oliver (Nance), Robert Oliver (Hebert) and Jack Roeder (Mary Jane). Also, her nieces and nephews Will Oliver (Leslie), Kristen Jesulaitis (David), Greyson Oliver (Veronica), Ron Roeder (Tina), Rick Roeder (Barbara), Scarlet Barksdale, Shannan Roeder; Clare Duffin (Donald) and Amory Felder (Robby).
The family would especially like to thank the wonderful women who cared for Gay; Alicia Pena, Adaia Lopez, Jeannette Thomas Hutchins and Chevette Leach.
The family will have a private burial and friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life on Saturday, January 28, 2023. Gale will also be honored because he was not able to have a service due to Covid restrictions at the time of his death. The service will take place at Memorial Drive United Methodist Church, 12955 Memorial Drive, Houston, Texas at 3 pm. In honor of Gay’s favorite color the family encourages you to wear blue to the Celebration of Life Service.
For those desiring, in lieu of flowers donations can be made to Turn It Gold, 14053 Memorial Drive, Suite 142, Houston, Texas 77079; Alzheimer’s Association, 6055 S Loop E. , Houston, Texas 77087 or a charity of their choice.