Ollie K. Barnett Fuson went home to be with the Lord on Friday, November 2, 2012 surrounded by her family. She was the daughter of Lucy Mae Givens Barnett and Walter Barnett.
She grew up in a Christian home with hard working parents. In 1927 the diphtheria epidemic went through the coal mining camps at Cannon Creek and her three younger siblings, Charlie, Gladys, and Gracie died within a two week period. Her mother died at age 39 and she helped her dad raised the youngest children.
Ollie married James Linza Fuson in 1935 and they raised six children on the hill above Meldrum. They were both saved in 1937 and joined Meldrum Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher, choir member and always helped with every church dinner.
After being saved, she and her husband started their family singing group known as the Fuson Family Singers, which included daughters Alma and Ella Mae. Ollie was blessed with the gift of hospitality and it is estimated that she cooked Sunday dinner for more than 30 pastors and evangelists.
She also cooked every Sunday for her family for more than 70 years. Ollie enjoyed reading her Bible, gardening and quilting. After her vision faded in her 80’s, she encouraged herself by singing. “Neath the Old Olive Tree” will always be remembered as a favorite.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brothers, Walter “Wick”, Harvey “Bunny”, Granville “Chappy”, Charlie and Clyde Barnett; sisters, Gladys and Gracie as well as her husband of 54 years, Linza Fuson and son, Benny Luther Fuson.
Survivors include five children, Ella Mae Tribell, Alma and husband John Owens, Jesse and wife Anna Fuson, Denver and wife Cathy Fuson, and Kenneth and wife Linda Fuson; grandchildren, Thomasa and husband Sam Risner, Karen and husband Jim Bowling, Cindy and husband Jerry Wallace, Randy Owens, Russ and wife Carolyn Tribell, Beddy and husband George Johnson, Dacia and husband Gary Gerst, Ramona Fuson, Eric Fuson, Jay Fuson, Olivia “Libby” and husband Johnny Massengill, Jessica and husband Kevin Wilson, Ollie Renee and husband Dale Gibbons, Jesse Fuson, Jr., and Brandon Fuson.
In addition, she is survived by 27 Great-grandchildren, 11 Great-great-grandchildren; one brother, Emett Barnett and one sister, Lorene Barnett Ogle, both of Meldrum.
She also dearly loved her neighbors, Jewell Shackleford, Wayne and Ruth Gambrel and Albert Wilson.
Funeral services was conducted by the Creech Funeral Home on Monday November 5 at 8:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Barnett and Rev. Anthony Lovett presiding.
Music was provided by the Meldrum Missionary Baptist Church Choir and the Barton Family Trio.
Family received friends from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.
Pallbearers were her grandsons and great-grandsons. Graveside services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. at the Green Hills Memorial Garden.
Creech Funeral Home is in charge of all arrangements
Online condolences and guestbook are available at www.creechfh.com
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