Jewel B. Oliver

In Loving Memory of Jewel Oliver A Life Defined by Faith, Family, and Service Jewel B. Oliver, age 95, passed away on Friday, September 19, 2025 in Oklahoma City, OK. Born on September 9, 1930, at the beginning of the Great Depression, Jewel spent her formative years on the family farm in Mt. Zion, Illinois. Her childhood was rooted in faith, as her family was active in the Decatur West Side Church of the Nazarene, an early foundation for the life-long Christian devotion that would shape her and her family. Jewel’s commitment to her faith was steadfast. She was a devoted member and active participant in Nazarene congregations throughout her life, holding memberships at Decatur, IL West Side, Springfield, IL First, Denver, CO First, College Church in Bourbonnais, IL, and the 8th Street Church in Oklahoma City, OK. Her spiritual legacy was matched by her love of music. Blessed with a beautiful soprano voice, Jewel sang in church choirs, performed solos, and was honored to sing with Olivet Nazarene College’s Orpheus Choir. A graduate of Mt. Zion High School’s class of 1948, Jewel continued her education at Olivet Nazarene College, graduating in 1952 with a degree in education. It was there she met Gerald “Jerry” Oliver. The two married on December 31, 1951, embarking on a remarkable partnership that spanned 65 years. Together, Jewel and Jerry maintained a deep connection to Olivet, returning for Homecoming celebrations for more than half a century. In 1956, the Olivers settled in the Springfield, Illinois area to pursue careers in education. Jewel taught at a small school in Mechanicsburg, IL, where she also served as Principal. Jerry, an industrial arts teacher, supplemented their income with part-time work in insurance, a venture that would blossom into their life’s work. With Jewel’s steady hand guiding administration and Jerry focusing on sales, they co-founded Roosevelt National Life Insurance Company in 1966. Under their leadership, the company flourished, issuing over half a billion dollars in life insurance. In 1983, they sold their interest in the firm and relocated to Denver, Colorado. The year 2000 brought the couple back to Bourbonnais, Illinois, where they remained active in insurance and investments, working side by side as always, Jewel managing administration, Jerry leading sales. After Jerry’s passing in 2016, Jewel moved to Oklahoma City to be near her eldest daughter. Jewel’s warmth and generosity endeared her to generations of young people at church, where she taught senior high Sunday School, and helped create district-wide youth programs for teens. Affectionately known as “Mama” (maw-maw) to hundreds of students and friends, Jewel’s caring spirit left an indelible mark on many lives. Jewel is survived by her four children: Cheryl A. Pollock (Mark) of Oklahoma City, OK; Gerald D. Oliver, Jr. (Kathryn) of Midlothian, TX; Jonathan F. Oliver of Waxahachie, TX; and Lori O. Lewis (Darrell) of St. Louis, MO. Her legacy also lives on in her 11 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and a great-great-grandson expected in December 2025. Jewel was preceded in death by her parents, Paul and Goldie Britton; her beloved husband, Gerald Oliver; her sister, Lois Jean Garrett; and her great-grandson, Micah Crimmins. She is also survived by her brother, Frank Britton of Franklin, TN. A memorial service to honor Jewel’s life will be held on Saturday, October 4, 2025, at the Clancy Gernon Funeral Home in Bourbonnais, IL. Viewing will be at 10am with the Funeral Service beginning at 11am. Memorials can be made to the Oliver/Granger Scholarship Fund at Olivet Nazarene University. Jewel Oliver’s life was a testament to faith, family, and unwavering service. Her memory will be cherished and celebrated by all who knew and loved her.

Jewel B. Oliver

September 9, 1930 - September 19, 2025