Obituaries

On Wednesday, December 17, 2025, John B. Oliver 85, of John Baker Rd., Fieldale, VA peacefully transitioned from this earthly life. He was born in Henry County, VA on May 13, 1940, to the late Jessie Mack Oliver and Betty Hairston Oliver.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Amanda Hairston Oliver; one son, Neil G. Oliver; his twin brother, Burton Oliver and one sister, Virginia Oliver Massey.

John was a member of Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church where he was a member of the Usher Board and the Choir. Later, he attended New Bethel Christian Church (DOC).

John was a graduate of George Washington Carver High School class of 1959. After graduation, John enrolled at St. Paul College, Lawrenceville, VA. He retired from Field Crest Mills after many years of service. John also was a self-employed Stone Mason.

Those left to cherish his memory include one daughter, Cheryl N. Oliver of Martinsville, VA; nine grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; one brother, Maynard Oliver of Stanleytown, VA; four sisters, Betty R. Swanson of Kensington, MD, Maxine White of White Oak, MD, Shirley Powell of Roanoke, VA and Iris Ellis of Silver Springs, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A visitation service will be held on Monday, December 22, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church E. Martinsville, 1043 E. Church St., with Dr. Charles Whitfield, Eulogist. Interment will follow at Carver Memorial Gardens, 869 Parkway Dr., Martinsville.

A public viewing will be held on Sunday, December 21, 2025, at Hairston Funeral Home, 301 Fayette St., Martinsville between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Other times, the family will receive friends at 720 Rosewood Ave., Martinsville. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.