Dec. 1934—Nov. 2018
Shirley Edith Oliver (neé Brandon), age 83, died peacefully on November 18, 2018 in Turlock, California. Shirley was born December 21, 1934 in Clarksville, Texas, the daughter of Jones G. Brandon and Edith M. Parker. Shirley rose above her circumstances as a child, which included living a life of poverty, to become well known for her baking and sewing skills. She won several awards from county fairs that highlighted her talents. Shirley even received the Mother of The Month award in October 1969 for Watsonville, California. As she grew older she found enjoyment in painting and crafts, which were widely recognized as wonderful pieces of art.
In 1955, Shirley married Garth P. Oliver in Reno, Nevada. She worked as a waitress most of her life and retired as the hostess/manager of Carlo’s Villa in Los Banos, California. She is survived by three children: Toni Lamb (husband, Jim), David Fagundes, Scott Oliver (wife, Kathy) and one step-son: Doug Oliver (wife, Diane) and her brother Carl Preston Jr. (wife, Janelle). She also leaves behind a number of grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by Jones G. Brandon (father), Edith M Preston (mother), Bill Brandon (brother), James R. Brandon (brother), Garth P. Oliver (husband) and Bret R. Oliver (son).
Viewing and funeral services were held in Turlock, CA. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/donate. Please share your memories at www.AllenMortuary.com.
