Jeanne Oliver, civic leader and pioneering director of Manatee Girls Club, dies at 100
Jeanne “Jeannie” Anderson Oliver, a long-time Bradenton civic leader, nonprofit pioneer, newspaper woman, and mentor to many, died Friday, Sept. 18, 2020, in Bradenton She was 100.
She twice served as the executive director for the Manatee County Girls Club, now known as Just For Girls. Under her leadership, the club received the Girls Club of America award for having the outstanding program to combat juvenile delinquency.
“She was larger than life, a force of nature,” said Bradenton City Councilwoman Marianne Barnebey, who worked at the Girls Club as a teenager. “The girls club was so strong in Manatee County because she was such a strong leader.”
When she needed something for her girls, she didn’t hesitate to approach local businesses.
“There were merchants who when they saw her coming would duck out the back door because you couldn’t tell her no,” Barnebey said.
One of those she approached was George Jenkins, founder of Publix Super Markets, who was a high school classmate.
“She grew up in Winter Haven and used to double date with George Jenkins. One night she called him at home and asked for card tables and chairs for her girls club. He sent her about 100 sets for free. When he died, he left $500,000 in his will for the girls club,” Mrs. Oliver’s daughter, Patricia McKay said.
Mrs. Oliver was born on Nov. 8, 1919, in Springfield, Ohio. She was a 1936 graduate of Winter Haven High School, and later took business courses with the New York School of Finance.
She moved to Bradenton in 1952 from Greensboro, N.C. She worked in the newspaper industry as a reporter, social editor, columnist, and advertising manager, including at the Winter Haven News Chief and the Bradenton Herald.
She served twice as the executive director for the Manatee County Youth Center Teen Club with more than 1,700 teens participating weekly. She also served as a member of the Human Advocacy Committee for District V, was the chairperson of youth activities for the local Billy Graham Evangelistic Crusade, the first president of the first Local Christian Women ‘s Club, past member of the Florida Youth Advisory Committee, and served for seven years as chaperone for the United States Congressional Classroom in Washington, D.C.
“She was just somebody who was a lot of fun. She had a great sense of humor, and a lot of energy. She always said, ‘Why be average, when you can be excellent,’ ” MacKay said of her mother.
“She was always gently put me in a position to succeed. She loved young folks and was a strong Christian. She was the chaperone at everything. She was fun and knew how to lead people,” MacKay said.
Becky Warne Canesse, executive director of Just for Girls, spoke about her mentor in November, during Mrs. Oliver’s 100th birthday celebration.
“Jeannie Oliver was instrumental in helping to establish the Manatee County Girls Club 50 years ago. Sarah Tomberlin, Jane Pratt and Ida Stewart were founding board members, and Jeannie was the executive director during those formative years. I remember hearing about how they didn’t have air conditioning in their office, so Jeanne moved her desk outside and worked. It really doesn’t matter where the desk is when the one behind it is so devoted to this heart-tugging mission to help girls achieve their full potential,” Canesse said in November.
“I feel like I’m the caretaker of the dreams of these incredible women who formed the Girls Club, now known as Just for Girls. I love these women, and it’s been a humbling honor to pour my life into their vision for the girls we all love so dearly. We intend to lift these girls out of poverty and create future leaders like Jeannie,” Canesse said.
Mrs. Oliver was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton since 1952, where she has served as a Sunday School teacher for the high school youth, adults, and inter-generational classes. She also served as youth advisor for 13 years and the dean of girls for church youth retreats for four years. In addition, she has been both an elder and a deacon of the church since 1981 and was chair of the Lay Renewal Weekend. She was a motivational and humorous speaker through-out the Synod.
She was an avid traveler, having traveled to all 50 states in the U.S. and many countries overseas. She also served as president of the Resident Council of Westminster Manor in Bradenton, and was named Westminster Manor volunteer of the year for 2015.
On Nov. 5, 1979 the city of Bradenton proclaimed it Jeannie Oliver Day in Manatee County and had the honor read into the Congressional Records in Washington, D.C.
She received the Bradenton Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award on May 12, 1973, followed by the Service to Mankind Award of the Southwest Florida including Puerto Rico District of Sertoma International. She was the recipient of the Manatee Kiwanis Club Citizens Service Award in 1971; Kiwanis Club of Bradenton Community Service Award in 1979; Civitan Club Service Award in 1979; The Sarasota-Manatee Chapter of the National Council of Christians and Jews Silver Medallion Award for Lifelong devotion to the principles of an integrated society on February 14, 1982; Honorary Life Membership of the Presbyterian Women in 1996 and Honorary member of Zonta International in 1979.
Mrs. Oliver was predeceased by her husband, George T. Oliver, on June 5, 1996.
She is survived by her daughter, Patti and her husband, Alan MacKay of Weston, three grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, a nephew and several cousins.
With respect to the protocol of the COVID-19 pandemic, a private family celebration of life service is planned. The service will be streamed at 2 p.m. Saturday on the First Presbyterian Church Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/FPBradenton.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to one of the following: First Presbyterian Church of Bradenton 1402 Manatee Ave. W. , Bradenton, 34205, Just for Girls, 3809 59th St. W., Bradenton, FL 34209, Villa International-Atlanta, 1739 Clifton Road N.E., Atlanta, Ga. 30329 or to Tidewell Hospice.
Arrangements under the care of Shannon Funeral Homes Westview Chapel.
Condolences for the family may be made online at Shannon Funeral Homes.
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This story was originally published September 23, 2020 at 11:08 AM.
