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Olivia Joyce (Jenkins) Woolsey 1922-2004




Birth and Early Life in Maysville, Oklahoma (1922)

Olivia Jenkins was born on November 23, 1922, in Maysville, Oklahoma, to John Hugh Jenkins and Leota Jane Morton. In the 1920s, Maysville was a small town influenced by the nearby oil boom that brought both promise and challenges to its residents. It was also known as the birthplace of Wiley Post, the first pilot to fly solo around the world. While there was excitement in the air from the oil industry and aviation developments, many families, including Olivia's, faced significant economic struggles.

Marriage and Life in Pauls Valley, Oklahoma (1939–1960)

Olivia married Albert Woolsey on September 21, 1939, in Pauls Valley, the nearest location with a magistrate. In the early years of their marriage, they lived with Albert's parents, which added to the challenges they faced as a young couple trying to establish their own life. 

By the 1950s, the family had moved into a simple shack of their own. Life as "dirt poor farmers" was a daily grind filled with hardships. Each year, their children received shoes for Christmas, only to be left shoeless by summer. The weight of financial instability was unrelenting, and Olivia worked hard alongside Albert on the farm, trying to grow what they could to feed their family.

In the 1950 census, Albert was unemployed and actively seeking work, underscoring the difficult times the family endured. Despite the economic strain, Olivia's resilience shone through, and she remained determined to provide for her family.

A memory once told by her son Alvin, recalled how she would gather everyone around the table to eat first. After ensuring her family had eaten, she would quietly feed herself from the scraps left on their plates. The family primarily dined on simple, affordable foods, with beans and potatoes making up a significant portion of their meals. This selflessness demonstrated Olivia's love and commitment to her family even in the most trying circumstances.

Midlife in California (1960–1980)

By the early 1960s, seeking better opportunities, Olivia and Albert moved their family to California. They initially moved to Oakdale, Empire, and Riverbank before moving to their final home in Modesto. Albert found work in factories like Campbell’s and Norris Industries. This shift brought a welcome change; the steady income provided a level of stability that had long been absent in their lives.

Eventually, the family moved to Modesto, where they became neighbors with Von Joseph and Mary Ellen Roe. They settled into a home behind theirs, creating a bond that would last for years. In 1971, their connection deepened when Marilyn Roe, one of the twin daughters of the Roe family, married Alvin Woolsey, Olivia’s son. 

During the 1960s and 1970s, Modesto was experiencing significant growth and change. The city became known for its agricultural developments and was also impacted by the larger cultural shifts of the era. Modesto was designated as an All-American City in 1973, reflecting its community spirit and commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents. Events such as the opening of the Modesto Junior College in 1921 continued to influence the community, creating opportunities for education and growth. Additionally, the 1970s saw the establishment of local cultural and arts programs, contributing to a vibrant community that Olivia became a part of.

Later Life and Memories as a Grandmother (1990–2004)

After Albert passed away, Olivia found purpose in her later years through her grandchildren. She devoted herself to spending time with them, finding joy in their company. Reading the Bible became a source of comfort for her, and she took great pride in her garden, where she spent countless hours nurturing her plants.

Olivia was known for her mild-mannered nature, but she had her ways of keeping us grandkids in line. She would often drape a belt over her neck, not as a real threat but more as a gesture. We knew she would never use it; she preferred to indulge us with treats instead.

Throughout her life, Olivia faced many losses, including that of her parent and several children that she outlived. She remained a strong presence for our family, drawing strength from her experiences and the bonds we shared.

Olivia Woolsey passed away on March 9, 2004, at the age of 81. She left behind a legacy of resilience and love. Her burial in Oakdale, California, was attended by family and many friends, a testament to the impact she had on those around her. Through her story, we remember a woman who endured hardships yet always found ways to nurture and support her family.

Sources

  • 1940 Census: "1940 United States Federal Census"
    Year: 1940; Census Place: Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma; Roll: m-t0627-03294; Page: 6A; Enumeration District: 25-28
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 2442 #89414937 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Alivia Woolsey (17), married daughter-in-law, in household of Ewing Woolsey (49) in Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma. Born in Oklahoma.
  • 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
    National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma; Roll: 4132; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 25-36
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #55771179 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Olivia Woolsey (27), wife, in household of Albert L Woolsey (29) in Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma, USA. Born in Oklahoma.
  • 1950 Census: "1950 United States Federal Census"
    National Archives at Washington, DC; Washington, D.C.; Seventeenth Census of the United States, 1950; Year: 1950; Census Place: Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma; Roll: 4132; Page: 3; Enumeration District: 25-36
    Ancestry Sharing Link - Ancestry Record 62308 #55771179 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Olivia Woolsey (27), wife, in household of Albert L Woolsey (29) in Whitebead, Garvin, Oklahoma, USA. Born in Oklahoma.
  • Residence: "U.S., Phone and Address Directories, 1993-2002"
    City: Modesto; State: California; Year(s): 1995
    Ancestry Record 7339 #235936073 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia J Woolsey; Residence Years: 1995; Address: 130 Glenn Ave; Residence Place: Modesto, California, USA; Zip Code: 95358-6112; Phone Number: 209-537-6519.
  • Residence: "U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 1"
    Original data: Voter Registration Lists, Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records, and Other Household Database Listings
    Ancestry Record 1788 #383057504 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia Woolsey; Residence Date: 1990; Address: 130 1st 2; Residence: Modesto, CA; Postal Code: 95351.
  • Residence: "U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2"
    Original data: Voter Registration Lists, Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records, and Other Household Database Listings
    Ancestry Record 1732 #190912070 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia Woolsey; Birth Date: 23 Nov 1922; Address: 130 Glenn Ave; Residence Place: Modesto, California, USA; Zip Code: 95358-6112.
  • Residence: "U.S., Public Records Index, 1950-1993, Volume 2"
    Original data: Voter Registration Lists, Public Record Filings, Historical Residential Records, and Other Household Database Listings
    Ancestry Record 1732 #190912073 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia J Woolsey; Birth Date: 23 Nov 1922; Address: 130 1/2 Glenn Ave; Residence Place: Modesto, California, USA; Zip Code: 95358-6112.
  • 2004 Social Security record: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007"
    Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007
    Ancestry Record 60901 #33392429 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Olivia Joyce Woolsey Social Security record.
  • Social Security record: "U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007"
    Original data: Social Security Applications and Claims, 1936-2007
    Ancestry Record 60901 #774212102 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Olivia J Jenkins Social Security record.
  • Obituary: "U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current"
    Manteca Bulletin; Publication Date: 19/ Mar/ 2004; Publication Place: Manteca, California, USA; URL: http://www.mantecabulletin.com/articles/2004/03/18/ceres/obituaries/obit10.txt
    Ancestry Record 7545 #2120705 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia Joyce Jenkins Woolsey; Gender: Female; Death Age: 81; Birth Date: 23 Nov 1922; Residence Place: South Modesto; Death Date: 9 Mar 2004; Burial Place: Oakdale; Obituary Date: 19 Mar 2004; Obituary Place: Oakdale, Washington, Minnesota, USA; Spouse: Albert Lee Woolsey; Child: Alvin Woolsey Karen Sue Woolsey Jimmy D. Woolsey Kathy Osborne Jerry Woolsey Anthony Woolsey Gerald Woolsey John R. Woolsey Marcella Ann Woolsey Mary Leota Woolsey; Siblings: Jim Jenkins.
  • Obituary: "U.S., Obituary Collection, 1930-Current"
    Fresno Bee, The; Publication Date: 12/ Mar/ 2004; Publication Place: Fresno, California, USA; URL: http://www.modbee.com/obituaries/
    Ancestry Record 7545 #2036812 (accessed 25 September 2024)
    Name: Olivia Joyce Jenkins Woolsey; Gender: Female; Death Age: 81; Birth Date: 23 Nov 1922; Residence Place: Modesto; Death Date: 9 Mar 2004; Burial Place: Oakdale; Obituary Date: 12 Mar 2004; Obituary Place: Oakdale, Washington, Minnesota, USA; Spouse: Albert Lee Woolsey; Child: Kathy Osborne Jerry Woolsey Gerald Woolsey Marcella Ann Woolsey Mary Leota Woolsey John R. Woolsey Anthony Woolsey Karen Sue Woolsey Alvin Woolsey Jimmy D. Woolsey; Siblings: Jim Jenkins.
  • 1958 Newspaper: "Obituary for Marcella Ann Woolsey" Newspapers.com
    The Marlow Review (Marlow, Oklahoma) Thu, Aug 28, 1958, page 5
    Newspapers Clip: 153353020 (accessed 25 September 2024)
  • 2004 Newspaper: "Grandma's obit" Newspapers.com
    The Modesto Bee (Modesto, California) Thu, Mar 11, 2004, page 25
    Newspapers Clip: 153350153 (accessed 25 September 2024)
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