Madeline Marie Oliver

Madeline Marie Stevens Shelton Oliver, one of Groesbeck's greatest ambassadors, passed away on Saturday, January 14, 2012. Visitation will be Monday, January 16, 2012, from 6:00 to 8:00 P.M. at the Groesbeck Funeral Home. Funeral services for Mrs. Oliver will be at 10:00 A.M., on Tuesday, January 17, 2012, at Victory Baptist Church with Reverend Billy Anderson officiating. Interment will be in the Thornton Cemetery. Pallbearers are Derek Fielding, Charles Watson, Ben Watson, Bill Jenia, Richard Anderson, and R. C. Anderson. Madeline was an individual who was loved by the entire community and by people of all ages and from all walks of life. She could relate to everyone, and she was known by the entire community, regardless of one's age, simply as Madeline. Madeline was born on April 27, 1924, near Groesbeck, the daughter of Guy L. Sr. and Sarah Ellen (Sally) Thompson Stevens. Madeline attended school in Groesbeck and was a member of the GHS Class of 1942. On June 15, 1941, she was united in marriage to Charles Melvin Shelton of Thornton in Ringgold, Texas. Madeline and Charles began their married life in Groesbeck and then lived in Pearland, Jasper and Beaumont before moving to Seminole, Texas where they lived for 28 years. Their daughter Charlene was born and raised in Seminole. While living in Seminole, Madeline served several years as the Editor of the Seminole News. Madeline and Charles moved back to Groesbeck in 1977, and Madeline often stated, “We finally came home for good.” Madeline also reminded everyone that “regardless of where I lived, Groesbeck was always my hometown.” Charles passed away from a lengthy illness on June 24, 1979. On December 1, 1985, Madeline was united in marriage to Groesbeck native, Rod Oliver, and lived in Groesbeck until Rod passed away September 14, 1997. Upon returning to Groesbeck in 1977, Madeline was active in many community affairs. She was manager of the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce for a number of years. She participated in the Groesbeck Ex-Student Association for many years and served as the Treasurer of the Limestone County Historical Museum. She was involved in the publishing of the Museum's two books, A Family History of Limestone County, Volumes I and II. Madeline was the Treasurer of the Groesbeck Athletic Booster Club for several years. She was a great supporter of the Groesbeck Independent School District, the Groesbeck Goats and the Lady Goats! She was named Homecoming Queen in 1993. She and Rod were named co-citizens of the year by the Groesbeck Chamber of Commerce in 1987. Madeline participated in the Groesbeck Crime Stoppers and was a member of the Groesbeck Eastern Star and served as a member of the Board of the Limestone Hospital. Survivors include her daughter, Charlene Reed and husband, Rick, of Longmont, Colorado; step-daughter, Lynette Oliver of Spring, Texas, and step-son Rod L. Oliver and wife, Kim, of Perrysburg, Ohio, six grandchildren, Derek Fielding and wife, Amanda, of Lubbock, Texas, Casey Fielding of Lubbock, Texas, Meagan Reed of Austin, Texas, Sean Oliver of Bakersfield, California, Alyssa Oliver of Bakersfield, California, Evan Oliver of Henderson, Colorado and one great-grandson, Mikeuel Fielding of Lubbock, Texas. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Providence Hospice, 107 E. Commerce, Mexia, Texas 76667 or the Limestone County Historical Museum of 210 W. Navasota, Groesbeck, Tx 76642.