Olivia B. Gresham

Olivia Ann B. Gresham, 81, a native of Jonesboro-Hodge, La., and long-time resident of Thibodaux, La., and Diamondhead, Miss., passed away Thursday, July 18, 2024, with family and friends by her side.

She is survived by her son Matthew Clifton Gresham of New Orleans, sister Virginia Waynette Glade of New Orleans, sister-in-law Susie Acklin Storey of Longview, Texas, nephew Henry Brinson Glade and wife Danielle of Austin, Texas, nieces Rose Glade of New Orleans, Lisa Glade Schoolfield and husband Bruce of Houston, Texas, Ronda Gresham Vanderwal and husband Jan of Longview, Texas, and Mary Gresham Wyatt and husband Stephen from Blanchard, La. She is also survived by grand-nieces and nephews: Amy Vanderwal Nagy and husband Mike of Dripping Springs, Texas, Haley Vanderwal Jones and husband Garrett of Houston, Texas, Trey Norred and wife Ashley of Monroe, La., Leigh Norred Jackson of Southlake, Texas, Mary Schoolfield of Seattle, Washington, Lucy Schoolfield of Houston, Texas, Mattie Dickson of Blanchard, La., Adam Pardue and wife Sommer of Jonesboro, La., and 11 great nieces and nephews. She is also survived by her beloved rescue dog and companion Lucy.

She was preceded in death by her high school sweetheart and husband Henry Clifton Gresham, her parents Edgar Wayne and Mary Virginia Brinson of Jonesboro-Hodge, La., her father-in-law and mother-in-law Melvin and Mary Bell Gresham of Winnfield, La., brother-in-law Ronnie Gresham of Winnfield, La., brother-in-law Henry Bernard Glade of New Orleans and niece Vicki Pardue of Jonesboro, La.

Born Dec. 26, 1942, Mrs. Gresham graduated from Jonesboro-Hodge High School and Louisiana Tech University, where she was a member of Sigma Kappa Sorority and graduated with honors. She began her teaching career at LaGrange High School in Lake Charles, La., before her marriage. She followed her husband to teaching stops in Rome, Ga., back to Ruston, La., and to Starkville, Miss., where he earned a doctorate degree in finance from Mississippi State University. She later earned a Master of Education Degree from Nicholls State University in 1978. A retired associate professor of English literature at Nicholls State, she shared her passion for literature and southern writers with colleagues, students, friends, and students who became friends. She taught alongside her husband, who served as a professor of finance and director of graduate studies in the College of Business at Nicholls State, until his sudden passing on November 7, 1981.

Following her husband’s death, Ann ensured her son never missed a fishing or hunting trip, even buying him a Skeeter bass boat when he was 14. She was always ready for a road trip and began nearly everyone by singing “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson. She was fiercely independent, yet always put her loved ones’ needs above her own. She had a deep appreciation for the Mississippi Gulf Coast, purchasing her “coast house” in Waveland in 1991. Following Hurricane Katrina, she was adamant the Mississippi Coast would rebuild and her home was one of the first to be rebuilt in the neighborhood. In 2015, she moved full-time to Diamondhead, keeping her “happy place” just 20 minutes away. Ann was an avid gardener and kept a pristine backyard full of lilies, azaleas, roses, and bulbs, among other beautiful flowers. She also enjoyed antiquing, libraries, bookstores, museums, art galleries, games, and weekly coffee nights with her many friends.

A celebration of her life will be held at the Main Street United Methodist Church, 162 Main Street, Bay St. Louis, on Friday, August 9. Visitation will be at 1 p.m. with services at 2 p.m. A reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to Southern Animal Foundation, 1823 Magazine Street, New Orleans, La. 70130, or by visiting www.southernanimalfoundation.org.

Riemann Family Funeral Home, Waveland, is honored to serve the Gresham family.