Gay Wilson Olive was born on March 22, 1949 in Decatur, AL. She was
second child, and only daughter of Gilbert and Melba Wilson. Shortly after, the family moved to Florence, AL where Gay attended school at Gilbert Elementary, Applebee Junior High, and Coffee High School.
Gay earned her B.S. in Industrial Chemistry from UNA in 1972. She met and started dating her husband, Ron Olive, during this time and they eventually married in 1974. When they married, Gay was working at Champion Papers, and she eventually moved to a job at TVA before becoming a housewife.
Gay was a member of Highland Baptist Church and volunteered her time to many endeavors. She was a Sunday School teacher to senior women, and also ran the sound board at Community Bible Study. Gay spent most of her time caring for her immediate and extended family and was dearly loved by them all.
Gay was preceded in death by her parents Melba and Gilbert Wilson.
The surviving family members are her husband of 49 years, Ron; sons Jay and Gil (Jennifer) of Madison, AL; grandchildren Lincoln, Logan, Charlee, Kaylee, Emma; brothers Greg (Ann), David (Becky), Jon (Angie); and several nieces and nephews.
In her later years, Gay faced a courageous battle with dementia and won on November 3, 2023, as she found peace and eternal rest in the presence of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Gay dedicated her life to nurturing her family and loving others. Her memory will forever be cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing her, and her gracious, Gospel spirit will continue to live in the hearts of those she touched.
Visitation will be Wednesday, November 8, 2023 from 12:00 p.m.– 1:30 p.m. at Greenview Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 1:30 p.m. in Greenview Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Alzheimer’s Association,
225 N. Michigan Ave. Floor 17 Chicago, IL 60601.
