Carole Lavonne Oliver

Carole Lavonne Oliver, age 85, passed away on September 11, 2026, at her home in Tool, Texas. She was born on February 15, 1941, in Dallas, Texas to parents Ernest Calvin and Rae Bessa (Crawshaw) Crum.

Carole attended North Lake College in Irving, Texas, and worked over the years for H&R Block during tax season, Texas Instruments, Baird Bread Co., and Athens Lumber & Supply.

Carole was smart, witty, funny, and tenderhearted. She was easygoing, forgiving, and simply fun to be around. Carole always seemed to see the glass as half full and could find a reason to laugh. She had a way of making people feel comfortable and welcome.

Caroles’ faith was a very important part of her life. She loved the Lord deeply and had a gift for understanding Scripture. If someone had a question about the Bible, Carole was often the person they turned to. She was a licensed minister and spent much of her life sharing her faith and leading others to the Lord. Along with two close friends, Carole formed Under the Fig Tree Ministry, where they ministered to others and shared the love of Christ.

Carole loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. She was also an excellent cook, and many will remember her wonderful chicken fried steak and gravy, fried potatoes, green beans, and homemade yeast rolls. Carole could bake just about anything, and she made it all from scratch—pies, cakes, cookies, and candy. Her cooking was one of the many ways she showed love to the people around her.

Carole had a wonderful sense of humor and a knack for turning ordinary moments into memories. Early in her relationship with Bill, she borrowed his car to get to work. On the way home, the oil light came on, so she stopped at a service station. The attendant told her not to worry about it and that it was “just a light.” She drove the car home—and the motor blew up. It became one of those stories that was remembered and laughed about for years.

Carole is preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Rae Crum, son, Riley Phillips; brother, Ernest Crum, Jr.; and nephews, Calvin and Michael Crum.

Carole is survived by her husband, Billy Oliver of Tool, Texas; daughter, Sharron Regan of New Palestine, Indiana; daughter, Pam StMichael of Seattle, Washington; daughter, Teresa Chandler of Granbury, Texas; daughter, Christine Woods of Granbury, Texas; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; niece Sandra Bramhall of Duncanville, Texas; as well as numerous family, friends, and loved ones.

Following the service there will be reception at the Oran White Civic Center in Tool, Texas.