Obituary: Janis Mae Oliver

Kinston – Janis Mae Oliver, 96, passed away peacefully at her home on April 2, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be private.

Janis, the daughter of the late Marvin and Wanda Richeson, grew up in Richmond, Virginia and was a 1947 graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School. Soon after graduation, she married Norman Oliver. In 1951, they moved to Kinston where she was employed with Kinston Urological Associates, retiring in 1982. She was a member of Queen Street United Methodist Church, loved going to the beach, and was a big fan of March Madness, and was an avid golfer. She enjoyed her girls’ trips golfing in Myrtle Beach and was President of the Ladies’ Golf Association at the Kinston Country Club. Raised as an only child, she reveled in her big family. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren in whatever activity they were involved in, whether it be recitals or ball games, graduations or weddings. Janis did not like to cook, you can ask her children!

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 70 years, Norman Oliver; and great- grandson, Brayden Kimball.

She is survived by her sons, Stephen Oliver and wife, Sue, and Timothy Oliver, all of Kinston; grandchildren, Brian Oliver and wife, DeeDee, of Wilson, Chris Oliver and wife, Molly, of Greenville, Brandon Harrison and wife, Shannan, of LaGrange, Casey Oliver and wife, Jena, of Kinston, Laura Wooten, and husband, Patrick, of Wake Forest, and Kelly Kimball and husband, Leland, of Ft. Collins, CO; and 17 great grandchildren.

The family would like to express their gratitude and thanks to 3HC Hospice services and her many special caregivers for the excellent care provided in Janis’s final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen Street United Methodist Church. 500 N Queen St, Kinston, NC 28501.

Arrangements made by Edwards Funeral Home and Cremations. Memorial contributions may be made to edwardsfhc.com.