"What I was attempting to say at the funeral Hello, My name is Ansel Essic Melvin Butler, and I?d like to tell you a bit about my experiences with Ola, but first I have to tell a short story: The other day I called up my brother Marcus, to run what I wanted to say about Ola by him. I don?t typically do that, I always know what I wanted to say? but?..I wanted to run it past family to see if it was appropriate?.. I wanted to start off by saying: When you bring up Ola May Anderson, at least from my perspective, you have to bring up George Vernon Anderson II. ??..After hearing the entirety of what I?d wrote, Marcus calming said ?That?s ALL true, but let?s just make it about mom.? VERYYYYYYY OLA-LIKE Marcus! Thanks for keeping me on track brah! Ola May Anderson is someone that took time to help me, and to guide me as I got older, she advised me, she was and is someone TO THIS DAY has that has a great influence in my life. To have HER attention, guidance and direction???.. Someone that was a servant to so many????? to be able to call her, and for her to answer the call when many won't, changed my life for the better. Under her love and guidance, I became a better person, a better man. Ola was an will ALWAYS be a powerful, and stabilizing aspect of the family, But Just imagine a loud Ola,?. it was rare because she was always so calm, but, imagine for a minute (I?m not going over the time Marcus (this speech is timed like a Central high school 4x100 track meet) ?..Just image there being 5, 10, 20 kids or young adults, and she managed it all, sometime all the way from the bed room.. If you hear her calling your name: mainly Erik, Ge or Marcus when she couldn?t get the other two?.as long as she didn?t call YOU, you were good?? But SOMEONE had a calm it all down. ?shhhing up everyone, and turning the music down for at least 10 mins? KEEP MOM HAPPY was the goal! during those ?alleged gatherings?. Ola was a keen observer of traits, and tendencies she always had the ability to listen, and read you, talk to you about goals and desires but not without and explanation, or expectation. Ola knew EVERYTHING, OKAY MOST THINGS THAT WERE GOING ON with us. That home on Spaulding street became my second home, as I?m sure it was to many of you at various times, it was always open, at times, it was a place where I lived, because she cared about me getting to my goals, and making it to where I was suppose be in life. As someone who cared about my direction Ola convinced my mother to allow me to head south to her, and George?s Alma mater Southern University, as head of Personnel for the City of Omaha she assisted me in getting my first internship: She said ?I got you the interview now you have to get the job!?. AWLAYS SETTING EXPECTATIONS. As a young man that wanted to be an artist, she was the one that said, ?add something else to your education that your good at in conjunction with the art degree when you get it?,???.?just in case.? Throughout my life she has been there for me advising me, guiding me without judgement, as I?m sure she did for many of us here. So Ola I won't be able to speak you in person or over the phone anymore "moms" but I will hear you speaking to me through my heart, and in my mind until my last days. ?.. So "Hello Ola May" and welcome to a new conversation moms, Family by birth, family by bond. I'll leave the light on! I love you, Melvin.. "
In loving memory of
Ola M. Anderson
July 29, 1946 - August 25, 2020
In Memoriam
Ola Mae Manning Anderson, a retired public servant, civic leader and longtime resident of Omaha, NE, died on August 25, 2020, at 74 years of age. Ola was born on July 29, 1946 in Pineville, LA to Sam and Eliza Manning.
At an early age, Ola exhibited a passion for knowledge and began her extended educational journey at Raven Camp Elementary School in Grant Parish, Colfax, LA. She later attended Mary E. Graham High School in Colfax, where she graduated with the class of 1963. Her love for education was a driving factor in her decision to further her studies at Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA, where in 1966, she received her Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration. Directly following, Ola entered the workforce as a Business Education Instructor at Springhill High School in Cloutierville, LA.
That same year, on September 3, 1966, Ola married her college sweetheart, George V. "Log" Anderson, Jr., an outstanding collegiate, national and international athlete, who excelled in track and field, and was often referred to as a phenomenal "World Class Sprinter". The ceremony took place in Boyce, LA.
A year later, the couple moved to Omaha, where Ola embarked on a promising career as a public servant, joining Omaha city government in 1969 as an Account Clerk. For the next quarter century, Ola tirelessly worked to advance her career with the City of Omaha, climbing the ranks as Accountant, Administrative Services Supervisor, Employment/Special Projects Manager, Director - Comprehensive Employment and Training Agency, Director - Job Training of Greater Omaha, and finally achieving the coveted position of Personnel Director.
In 1995, Ola left the City of Omaha, accepting an executive position at Metropolitan Community College, where she served for six years before returning to the City of Omaha as Acting Director/Deputy Director of Greater Omaha Workforce Development. In 2008, Ola once again left the City of Omaha, accepting an offer with the Urban League of Nebraska as Director - Work Experience Program, a position she held until retiring in 2010.
During her tenure, Ola embraced an extensive role in community activism, serving on several local Boards, Committees and Councils, including US Bank Community Advisory Board, Child/Family Development Corporation Board, Omaha Public Schools Superintendent's Career & Technical Education Advisory Council, Omaha Public Schools Adult Education Advisory Board, United Way of the Midlands - Quality Improvement Subcommittee, Omaha 2000 Steering Committee, WORKNET/Executive Board, Success Prep Board, UNO Chancellor's Advisory Board, National Conference of Christians and Jews Committee, Creighton University President's Advisory Board, Chamber of Commerce/Minority Enterprise and Economic Development Committees, Chamber of Commerce/Target Omaha, FirsTier Financial Community Advisory Council, One-to-One Professional Advisory Committee, Omaha Correctional Center Advisory Board, Creighton University/Self Employment Training Program Committee, City of Omaha Civilian Pension Board, Nebraska Job Service Employers Committee, and MAPA Regional Economic Development Advisory Committee.
Ola was also a proud member of the Beta Psi Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., while attending Southern University. Although no longer active, everyone knew she loved her sorority.
On August 25, 2020, Ola Anderson departed this life on Earth. She was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Sam and Eliza Manning, her loving and supportive husband of 46 years, George V. Anderson, Jr.; and her brother- and sister-in-law, Luster and Beverly (Anderson) Green. She leaves behind to cherish her memories and celebrate her life, her caring and dedicated sons - Eric T. Anderson of Wichita, KS, George V. Anderson, III, of Omaha and Marcus D. Anderson (Michelle), of Omaha; six grandchildren - Kendall, Joshua, Michael, Camille, McKenzie and Caeleb; three great-grandchildren - Kyra, Kendall Jr., and Kayden; four brothers-in-law - Dr. Donald Anderson of Baton Rouge, LA, Dr. Leon Anderson (Dr. Jackie) of Detroit, MI, Lee Earl Anderson (Verena) of Denver, CO, and William Anderson (Joan) of Omaha; and several nieces, nephews, cousins and special adopted grandchildren, as well as a host of relatives and special friends.
There will be a visitation for family and friends from 6:00-8:00pm on Friday, September 4, 2020, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, 7909 Mormon Bridge Road, Omaha, NE 68152, which has been entrusted with her final care. On Saturday, September 5, 2020, a private family service will be held with burial at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Covid-19 Funeral Guidelines will be implemented with limited, spaced seating and face masks required.
Ola's funeral service will be streamed live. A link will be provided on this obituary page (below) on Saturday, September 5 at approximately 8:45 A.M. Click on the link to watch.
https://boxcast.tv/view/ola-m-anderson-celebration-of-life-680518
Tributes
"Aunt Liza and my grandmother were sisters from Colfax Louisiana...Ola Mae was so sweet and kind..we visited Omaha several years ago and she was so excitied to see family and could not stop crying and laughing at the same time and took all of about 8 people out to eat and bought us each a gift..sending love and prayers to you all. Cousin Gloria Williams..Boyce, La. "
"Ola, I'm so glad we got to have some time to reflect on the good old days. You were so strong when we talked never complaining . Blessings to your family you rest in Jesus. Your classmate, Anna Moore -Los Angeles"
"Eric, GG,and Marcus, my heartfelt condolences are extended to you all. I will forever cherish the memories of my beloved cousin, especially the prayers we shared during the last few years... Last Pecan Festival she wanted gumbo, and she had gumbo. I will truly miss our phone conversations. Her smile and laughter would light up a room. A very smart and courageous person and to God be the glory for allowing her to excell in life. But God has spoken, so let the church say amen. I will continue to pray for your healing and strength. Heaven is a much better place. Love you Ola Mae. Gwen Allen and family of Colfax, LA."
"It breaks my heart to hear of the passing of my cousin/sister. We grew up so close and many days spent at our house during basketball season because Aunt Lisa lived in Boyce and we in Colfax, Louisiana. GWEN and I had sooo much fun with her. We last met at the Pecan Festival and I was so happy to see her. To her wonder sons, grandchildren, entire family, friends and community, you have my sincere prayers and condolences. Love you and remember ?Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal!? Forever in our hearts and minds. Sincerely, BRENDEL CLARK JACKSON and GWEN CLARK ALLEN ALSO ROBERT L. JACKSON, Mary Graham classmate of 1963! "
"I met Ola through Metropolitan Community College when I was a high school teacher. She was a wonderful person and I send my sincere sympathy to your family. "
"Ola was my introduction to Omaha in 1982 when I was appointed to the Omaha Private Industry Council in 1982. She was a wonderful leader for that program helping individuals join the workforce who did not have the experience or education to do so. I served on that board for the rest of Ola's tenure with the City. I talked to her periodically over the years but I was very saddened to see of her passing. My condolences to her family. She was a wonderful caring person."
"Eric, Marcus, "GG" & Family, I am deeply saddened over the death of Ola; your Mother and my dear friend. I could always rely on her when I needed help, whether with a project or some mundane chore. I came to trust her judgement and wisdom. Her advice was always so well thought out. Ola was a true friend; F-Faithful, R-Reliable, I-Impeccable, E-Encouraging, N-Noble, D-Dedicated. May my condolences bring comfort and my prayers ease the pain of this loss. Today and always, I hope loving memories bring you peace and strength during this difficult time."
"Lee Earl, I am saddened to learn of Ola Mae?s passing, your family has always been in my heart. My sincerest sympathy. Love, Mary Ellen"
"Prayers and Condolences to your family. I am the daughter of (late) Marjorie Layssard and we are family. My mom loved Mrs. Ola Mae and they would talk often. I am sure she will be missed! Much Love family. LaFonda Layssard Wilson Alexandria,La"
"I am Ola's cousin Issealene M. Peterson daughter Fannie. It breaks my heart to hear of her passing. Eric, G.G. and Marcus you have our deepest sympathy and prayers. We loved Ola Mae she was so caring and thoughtful. May God give you all strength during this difficult time. Love y'all. ??? Fannie Williams Gulfport, MS "
"What a beautiful woman inside and out. Rest well, Mrs. Ola! Sending my sincere condolencesEric, G, Marcus and family may God strengthen you. "
"I worked with Ola for many years at the City. She was a wonderful, caring person."
"My heartfelt condolences to Eric, Marcus and "GG." I cannot begin to express my gratitude and love for you sharing your Mother. She changed the lives of soooo many people. I had the pleasure and honor of working for your Mother for many, many years. I grew and learned a lot from her. She was the wind beneath my wings, my confidant, my counselor, my friend. My fondest memory and I apply it to my everyday life...she always said "be prepared." She was a caring, loving servant. She will truly be missed. May God's mercy bring you strength and comfort during this time of sorrow. Love and blessings to you all,
Geneva Dungy-Lopez"
"Rest In Peace Aunt Ola. You fought a good fight. Love Yahnea, Brian, Brooklyn, Brice, and Devin"
"My thoughts and prayers to the sons and family of my dear friend Ola. A great person that will truly be missed. She was a loving and caring person to many people in Omaha. I know that your hearts are hurting. Be strong God will make a way.
"
"Please accept my sincere condolences and prayers. Ola was a wonderful, thoughtful woman who constantly reached out to her community and was loved and appreciated by all who knew her."
"My daughter and both my grandchildren were guided, loved and cared for by this wonderful woman, wife, mother and loving woman. May all of you be comforted with God's tender love and care. Ola will be missed . The song "Together Again" somehow crossed my mind."
" May God's love comfort you as you remember this most thoughtful woman who lived a most thoughful, loving, giving life. My"
"May God provide you with peace and strength during this difficult time. Psalm 29:11"
"Our prayers are with Ola?s family during your time of bereavement. Joshua & Addie Johnson / Forney, Texas ( Graduating Classmates of 1963 b Mary E. Graham , Colfax, La)"