Obituary of Mina E. Oliver

Mina E. Preston Johnson Oliver of Honeoye, died November 18, 2012 at the Oakview Nursing and Rehab Center in Calvert City, KY. She was age 90. Mina was born in the town of Canadice on September 18, 1922 to William and Speedee Becker Preston. She loved the outdoors and spent most of her youth helping her father on the farm, milking cows, doing chores and farm work in the summer. She graduated from Hemlock High School. She loved music, history and took agriculture classes in high school. Mina went on to Cornell University and graduated with a 2 year degree from the agriculture program. She was a long standing member of the 4-H Club, showing sheep and Holsteins at many fairs. She was awarded the New York State Future Farmers of America Award. She loved flowers of all kind and raised hybrid iris and roses. Mina was a life member of the Canadice Methodist Church, serving in many capacities of the church. During WW II she worked as an inspector of the 105 mm shell rockets at Railway Signal Corp. in Rochester, NY. She married Bernard E. Johnson in September 1946. Bernard Johnson died in December 1965. Together they had 3 children, Gary, Valerie and William who died in 1967 of complications due to Muscular Dystrophy. Mina taught 4-H Club for 30 years, helped to organize the Home Extension in Canadice, was very active in the Honeoye Central PTA and was eventually awarded a life membership into that organization. Ms. Johnson married Anthony "Tony" Oliver in October of 1978 and lived happily until Tony died in 2005. She is Survived by her children, Gary (Tammy) Johnson of Kentucky; Valerie (Mark) Hill of Canandaigua; step sons, Tony Oliver, Jr., John Oliver; along with many grandchildren and several great grandchildren and one due very soon. Friends may call Tuesday, November 27, 2012 from 12-2 pm at the Canadice Methodist Church, where Services will follow at 2 pm, the Rev. Mary Martin officiating. Burial will be held in Canadice Hill Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to the Canadice Hill Cemetery Association, c/o Joan Hardy, 4473 County Rd. 33, Honeoye, NY 14471.