Marlene Brigitte (Koetter) Oliver

Sumter, SC… The world was left with a heavy heart when Marlene Oliver passed away on Sunday, January 29, 2023.  Marlene was an amazing mother, wife, grandmother, and friend who touched the lives of many around her.

Marlene was the proud mother of three: two girls and one boy. She was the beloved wife of Chief Master Sergeant John Allen Oliver. To her grandchildren, she was affectionately known as Oma, and to her friends, she was known for her large heart and kindness.

Born in Germany, she was the daughter of the late Georg and Erna Koetter.  Marlene and her husband settled in Sumter in 1976.  She loved people and would often have pool parties at her home.  She believed in hanging her clothes out to dry on a clothesline and she loved making hamade preserves and playing cards with her friends at the Shepherds Center.  One of her favorite activities were attending German October Festivals, especially in Helen, GA.  Throughout her life, Marlene worked hard, acted selflessly, and put the needs of others before her own. She was always willing to lend a helping hand and had a positive outlook on life that inspired many. The world has lost a faithful mother and devoted wife. We will carry her memory in our hearts and minds forever. Rest in peace, Marlene Oliver. You will be greatly missed.

Surviving to cherish her memory are; a son, Anthony A. Oliver and his wife Katherine of LA; a daughter, Jonnie O. Downey and her husband John of High Point, NC; a son-in-law, Gerald Young of Charleston, SC; nine grandchildren, Nikki, Gerry, Chris, Meagan, Sean, Danni, Alex, Anthony, and Michelle, and nine great grandchildren, Bella, Drew, Maxwell, Carter, Sloane, Tre, Bowen, Ryker, and Collins.

In addition to her husband and parents, she is preceded in death by a daughter, Cindy Young and a brother, Peter Koetter.

A visitation will be held one hour prior to the service on Saturday, February 4, 2023, from 2:00 – 3:00 pm at Bullock Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, February 4, 2023, at 3:00 pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel.  A private family interment will follow the service at Sumter Cemetery.

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