Mary Ann Oliver, age 84, died September 28,2012, at Attala Nursing Center. Visitation will be Monday, October 1, 2012 from 12:00 - 2:00 p.m. at Culpepper Funeral Home in Kosciusko MS. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home, with burial in Parkway cemetery in Kosciusko.
Mary Ann was born August 9, 1928, in Oktibbeha County MS, and was the daughter of the late Tinsley B. and Isabelle Thrower. Mary Ann attended school in Drew, Grenada, and Columbus before moving to Kosciusko when her father was called as the minister at First United Methodist Church. She graduated from Kosciusko High School in 1946 and attended Milsaps College for one semester. She married William Owen (Billy) Oliver on February 9, 1947.
Mary Ann was active in the First Baptist Church in Kosciusko until her health prevented her from attending. She was instrumental in starting the kindergarten program at First Baptist Church and taught in the kindergarten as well as Sunday school for many years. She also worked as a teacher's assistant in the Kosciusko Public Schools.
Mary Ann was very influential in the lives of her children and grandchildren as she exemplified daily the values of Christian living. She will be remembered for her strong faith, her love for her family and friends, and her sweet, kind spirit.
Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Billy Oliver, and a brother Tinsley Thrower. She is survived by a brother, Raymond Brinker Thrower (Carol) of Cuyahoga Falls Ohio; four sons, Owen (Jeanne) of Kosciusko, Stephen (Debbie) of Brandon, Ben of Kosciusko, and David (Renae) of Brandon. She is also survived by seven grandchildren: Meredith (Robert) Leathers, Lindsey (Ryan) Cummins, Kayla Oliver, and Jon (Mindy) Oliver, all of Kosciusko, Robert Hayes Oliver of Brandon, Adam (Amy) Oliver of Birmingham AL, and Ashley (Steve) Short of Bowling Green KY, and nine great-grandchildren: Eli, Clayton and Abby Leathers; John Morgan, Cullen, Andersen, and Harper Cummins; Will Oliver; and Eli Short.

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