Carol Oliver

Carol Delores Brooks Oliver December 25, 1938 – November 12, 2025 Carol Delores Brooks Oliver departed this life on November 12, 2025. She was born on December 25, 1938, to the late Bishop George and Nellie Brooks in Ansonia, Connecticut. In her younger years, her father became Pastor of Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, prompting the family to move to New Haven, Connecticut. At Beulah Heights, Carol met and married Kenneth V. Oliver Sr., the middle son of the late Walter J. and Anna Muriel Oliver. From this union, six children were born. Carol later moved her membership with her husband and family to Ebenezer Chapel, where she faithfully attended and served until her illness and transition. Carol graduated from Hillhouse High School, Class of 1956. She worked for Southern New England Telephone Company for a short time before dedicating herself to raising her children as a stay-at-home mother. She enjoyed romantic movies, taking walks, and especially loved shopping. She collected dinner bells from her travels and had a beloved collection of hats—an interest she inherited from her mother, Nellie Brooks. She cherished being called “Nellie.” During her later working years, she assisted her husband Kenneth in the family business, Walt’s Cleaners—affectionately known around the city as “Mrs. Walt”. Carol was a devoted member of Ebenezer Chapel, serving as a Sunday School Teacher for more than 40 years, a Vacation Bible School Teacher, and Missionary President. Carol was preceded in death by her parents, Bishop George and Nellie Brooks; her sisters Mary Louise Harrell, Elizabeth Bowers, and Esther Brooks; her brothers George D., Walter, and Charles Brooks; her husband of 54 years, Kenneth Oliver Sr.; her daughter, Muriel Ann McKenzie; and her lifelong friend, Genevieve Edwards. She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers, Suffragan Bishop Richard Brooks and Bishop Theodore L. Brooks Sr. (Janice L.); two brothers-in-love, Walter Oliver Sr. and Ronald Oliver (Corncie); five sons, Kenneth Oliver Jr. (Renee), Elder Mark Oliver (Laverne), Nathan Oliver, Theodore Oliver (Shelia), and Philip Oliver (Dr. Mikki Meadows); and her son-in-love, Dr. Sidney McKenzie. She is also survived by 21 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, a dear friend, Ms. Theresa Thompson (who visited weekly), a sister-in-law, Barbara Oliver, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and her beloved church families—Ebenezer Chapel, Beulah Heights First Pentecostal Church, and the Connecticut District Council of the Pentecostal Assemblies of the World. The family would like to thank everyone for their kindness during this time, with special thanks to Carol’s caregivers: Althea Davis (live-in caregiver), Nancy DeJesus, Lisa Harris, Paulette Jenkins, Natia Shaw, Nadine Cunningham, Quality Staffing Home-Care (directed by Vivienne Howard), and Connecticut Hospice Care.

Carol Oliver

December 25, 1938 - November 12, 2025