Margaret "Maggie" Irene (Keever) Olive

Margaret (Maggie) Keever Olive, age 98, of Olivia NC passed peacefully into the arms of Jesus at 3:06 p.m. on Sunday, May 15^th with her daughters by her side at her home.

She was born to Carl and Nanny Keever on June 4, 1923 in High Point, NC where she lived until after she married. She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, Julian Grayson Olive, her sister Doris Burton, and brothers Jack and Clarence Keever.

During the early years of her marriage Maggie was the CEO of Alderman Studios in High Point. As part of her responsibilities, she modeled and produced amazing photography and graphics. Pictures of her and her work were found in many magazines, including Better Homes and Gardens.

Later, she was employed as an interior designer for Sprott Brothers Furniture in Sanford and was sought after to decorate houses all over Lee and Moore counties.

She was an active member of Olivia Presbyterian Church and was presented the Honorary Life Membership in the Women of the Church for faithful service. That service was demonstrated in serving as deacon, elder, moderator of Women of the Church and serving in the church nursery for over 15 years.

She opened her home to bridge clubs and the Girl Scouts, for which she was an active leader. She was an accomplished seamstress, making matching outfits for her girls, curtains for her clients and even wedding dresses for loved ones. She was a beloved member of TOPS in Sanford, where she made some of her deepest friendships.

Maggie was a fun-loving person who loved to travel. She was often found on the back of her husband’s motorcycle, visiting or passing through each of the contiguous United States and parts of Canada. She and Julian were both founding members of the local Christian Motorcyclists Association and Maggie was heavily involved in their activities.

She is survived by her son Mike, daughters Melanie McBryde (Russell) and Julie Olive Hughes (Elmer); three grandsons: Gray McBryde (Stacy), Ryan McBryde (Brittany) and Matt McBryde (Brittney); six great grandchildren: Kaylee McBryde, Kara McBryde, Olivia McBryde, Larkin McBryde, Margaret McBryde and Jack McBryde; and one great-great grandson, Leo. She is also survived by four nephews and four nieces as well as best friends Jean Cameron, Joyce Rosser, Edna Foushee and Ernestine Black.

Maggie Olive was a classy lady who was loved by so many. She will be greatly missed.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 on Wednesday, May 18 at Olivia Presbyterian Church with pastors Bob Johnson and George Walton officiating. The family will receive friends at the church one hour before the service. Maggie always said that she didn’t want people to wear black or navy at her funeral, so if you come, please wear colors!

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial gifts be made to the General Fund of Olivia Presbyterian Church, PO Box 88, Olivia, NC 28368.

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