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52 Ancestors - Albert Lee Woolsey (1921-1982)

 Early Life (1921–1940)

Albert Lee Woolsey was born on February 28, 1921, in Garvin, Oklahoma, to Ewing Richard Woolsey and Mary Joann Williamson. He grew up in the rural environment of Garvin County, where he lived through the hardships of the Great Depression. In the 1930 United States Federal Census, Albert is listed as a 9-year-old living with his parents in Brady, Garvin, Oklahoma, along with his siblings. His early years were spent on the family farm, and like many children of that era, Albert likely helped with farm chores from a young age, experiencing firsthand the economic difficulties of the 1930s Dust Bowl in Oklahoma.

By 1940, Albert had relocated to Whitebead, another town in Garvin County, as shown in the 1940 United States Federal Census. At 19, he was starting to build his own life, continuing to live with his parents.


By 1939, Albert had relocated to Maysville, Oklahoma, where he began working to support his family. Around this time, World War II broke out, and like many young men of his generation, Albert was registered for the draft. Though records do not indicate, nor is the family aware of him ever serving in World War II.

Family Life and Moving to California (1940–1960)

In 1941, Albert married Olivia Joyce Jenkins, and they began their family in Maysville, Oklahoma, with the birth of their first son, Anthony, on December 9, 1941. Over the next decade, the couple had several more children, including Jerry (1942), Gerald (1945), Jimmy (1947), and John (1949).

The post-World War II economic boom likely motivated Albert and his family to move to California in the 1950s, following the trend of many Oklahomans, known as "Okies," who sought better opportunities on the West Coast. Once in California, Albert became a jack of all trades. He never settled on one specific job, instead working on various odd jobs. One memorable role I had of him in his garage was that he fixed televisions back when they still had tubes, a skill that likely served many households as television became a staple in American homes.

Challenges and Losses (1960–1982)

The 1950s and 60s brought both joy and hardship for Albert Woolsey and his family. Like many households, they experienced moments of great happiness as well as deep sorrow. In 1953, Albert's son Alvin Ray Woolsey—my father—was born, followed by a daughter, Mary Leota, in 1956. Tragically, Mary Leota passed away shortly after birth. Just two years later, another daughter, Marcella Ann, was born and died as an infant. His youngest daughter, Kathy Alberta, was born in 1960, but she contracted a fever that resulted in water on the brain, leaving her blind and mentally impaired. In 1968, Albert faced yet another heartbreaking loss when his son Gerald Wayne died at just 22 years old after being thrown from his convertible in a car accident.

During these years, the Woolsey family moved frequently, living in places like Riverbank, Oakdale, and Modesto, California. Their final home was in South Modesto, where they moved into a house located just behind my mother's family. This arrangement marked two generations living side by side, and it was also how my parents met. As his granddaughter, I have fond and vivid memories of their house, which I visited often. The smell of cigarette smoke was ever-present, a constant reminder of Albert’s chain-smoking habit.

I particularly remember the times spent on their front porch, a place where many family memories were made. Grandma would often fuss over him, clipping the hairs in his ears and nose—a task I found quite gross at the time! One day, my brother and I were playing make-believe on that porch, pretending I had a broken leg using two boards as crutches. Albert looked at me and said, “Be careful what you wish for.” At the time, I didn’t fully grasp the meaning behind his words, but as I grew older, they took on a profound significance in my life, staying with me through the years.

Final Years and Death (1982)

Albert's health began to decline in his later years, in part due to his habit of chain smoking, which contributed to both heart problems and cancer. By 1982, Albert’s health had worsened. He passed away on May 29, 1982, in Modesto, California, at the age of 61. His battle with cancer and heart disease finally came to an end, leaving behind a large and loving family, including myself, who holds onto the many memories we shared. His passing marked the end of an era in our family, but his wisdom, like the advice he gave me on that porch, continues to resonate.

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