Mrs. Olivia W. Nealey

December 29, 1931 - January 1, 2018

Olivia (Gardner) Walker-Nealey, affectionately known as “Baby Ray” received her wings to be with the Lord on January 1, 2018. Olivia was born on December 29, 1931 in Okolona, Mississippi, the youngest daughter of Daniel and Edna Gardner. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church. Olivia later transitioned to Galilee Missionary Baptist Church as a charter member under the leadership of her brother and founder, the late Reverend Mabry Gardner. She was actively and faithfully involved in church. She was a member of the Inspirational Choir, the Hospitality Committee and the Nurses Guild (which she was the Visionary for). Olivia was a graduate of Kalamazoo Central High. She later attended college and became a Licensed Practical Nurse. She was employed by Fort Custer, VA Hospital, State Hospital, Borgess Hospital, Hurley Hospital and retired from the Family Health Center. Olivia was an all-around people person. She loved to take care of others. She easily made friends and treated them with the love of God always. She would stop and speak to every person in the world if she could. She loved connecting with family and was always excited to attend the Mississippi Family & Friends reunion. Olivia loved to bake and was especially known for her pound cakes, German chocolate cakes, cheesecakes, and sweet potato pies. She loved to bowl and even played basketball for the Douglas Community Center. She was preceded in death by her Husband; Nash Nealey, Parents; Daniel and Edna Gardner, brothers; Evish Gardner, Rev. Mabry Gardner, Hesidee Gardner and Floyd Gardner, sisters; Alma Lee Ligon and Carsell Gardner. She leaves to cherish her memories, her son; Mark K. Walker, her daughter Selena D. Walker both of Kalamazoo, One granddaughter; Nikia C. Walker-Hall of Kalamazoo, Mi, 3 grandsons; DeShon M. Walker of Tracy, CA, George L. Walker and Kenneth M. Walker both of Kalamazoo, Mi., 2 great-grandchildren whom she loved dearly; Ashton G.M. Hall and Autumn G.M. Hall both of Kalamazoo, Mi, 2 sisters; Juanita Ford and Jerniece Ledbetter, both of Kalamazoo, one sister-in-law; Tiffany Gardner, two special nieces; Olivia King of Kalamazoo, Mi and Tanya Gardner Dunn of Lansing, Mi, special nephew; Justin Gardner of Dallas, TX, two special daughters-in-love, Audrey Rancifer and Teresa Owens both of Kalamazoo, Mi, God-Children; Hal and Janet Buchanan both of Kalamazoo, Special Friends; Helen Vanlieu, Geraldine Williams, Mary Louise Walker, Clara Stamp, Ollie Wright, Evelyn Coleman, Elder Nathaniel and Margaret Smith and Deacon Stan and Wanda Brown and a host of nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.