Jessie, or Jess as she preferred, was born in Chicago, Illinois, on October 6, 1933, to the late Robert and Mary Duns. Jess lost both her parents before she turned six and found love and care in the home of her aunt and uncle, Tina and Martin Erickson, in Bayfield, Wisconsin, where she became an integral part of their large, extended family.
Jess pursued her education at Emmanual Missionary College (now Andrews University) in Berrien Springs, Michigan, where she met and married Bruce Oliver, a fellow classmate. While Bruce attended dental school in California, Jess got her master’s in education from the University of Redlands. Upon Bruce’s graduation, they moved to Niles, Michigan, where he established his orthodontic practice. Bruce and Jess were blessed with three children.
After dedicating herself to raising her children, Jess earned a master’s degree in library science from Western Michigan University and then began her career as a librarian at the Andrews University Library. She enjoyed helping others and having a new way to contribute to the Andrews community.
In retirement, Jess continued living in Berrien Springs and enjoyed gardening, reading, piano playing, visiting with friends and family, and spending winters in Florida near Lynn and her family. She received training in teaching reading and enjoyed tutoring. Jess was an active member of the Niles Seventh-day Adventist church for over 50 years.
Her final years were spent surrounded by love and care, residing with Lynn and Pine in Punta Gorda, Florida. Jess passed on June 7, 2024, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, devotion, and unwavering service to her church and family.
Jess will be deeply missed by her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, extended family, and friends. She is survived by her daughters, Lauren Strach (Michel Rose) and Lynn (Pine) Price; grandchildren Elizabeth (Matthew) Stolz, Anna Strach, Oliver (Amie) Huff, and Leah (Jackson) Garner; and great-grandchildren Adelaide and Jackson Stolz, Aubrey Brooks, and Brooks Huff. Jess was predeceased by her son, John, grandson Ian Rose, former husband Bruce Oliver, brother Donald Chape, and parents Robert and Mary Brown.
There will be a private celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Andrews University James White Library in Jess’s honor.
Posted On: Wednesday, June 12, 2024 3:39 PM
