Olivia D. Lamar

Olivia was born on April 13, 1948, to the parents of Viola Cosey and G.W. Coates in Hollandale, Mississippi and was affectionally known as “Sister” to all the family. She attended elementary school in Hollandale, Mississippi and later moved to Gary, Indiana where she attended Junior and Senior High School. Olivia gave her life to Christ as a teenager through Trinity Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Thomas.

Olivia graduated from Froebel High School in 1966 where she earned a Scholarship to Wilberforce University, becoming the first in her family to attend college. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education. During her studies, she participated in the Wilberforce Cooperative Intern Program. She interned with the Social Security Administration in Dayton, Ohio. As a result of this Internship, she was hired as a Claims Representative, and this was the beginning of her career with Social Security where she retired after many years of service.

In 1974, Olivia relocated to Kansas City, Missouri with the Social Security Administration. After relocation, she met Lorenzo Lamar, and they were united in holy matrimony.  She became a proud member of Celestial Chapter #102 Order of Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron. Olivia was also a devoted Voter’s Registration Volunteer and an Election Poll Worker during election years.

Olivia was preceded in death by her parents.

She is survived by her two sons, Maurice and Reginald Lamar; brothers, Foster (Bettye) Stephens, Larry (Mona) Stephens, Andrew (Annie) Johnson; 5 grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and  her  best friend DeLaoch Draine.