olivia scanlan
1903-1995
Life Story
Early Life
Olivia Scanlan was born on June 20, 1903, in Newton County, Mississippi. She was the daughter of Plummer Scanlan (1877–1943) and Matilda Evans Scanlan (1882–1935). Growing up in the Evans community, Olivia was raised in a hardworking farming household where family ties were strong and daily labor shaped life.
She attended school locally and completed the 4th grade of elementary school, which reflected both the limited access to education for African American children in rural Mississippi and her family’s commitment to learning.
Work & Daily Life
For much of her life, Olivia worked on the home farm, contributing to the livelihood of her family. Her life was marked by quiet dedication, humility, and the strong community-centered values characteristic of Altare and the Evans settlement.
Final Years & Passing
Olivia passed away on August 5, 1995, at the age of 92. Funeral services were held on Thursday, June 10, at St. John Missionary Baptist Church and were conducted by Rev. Rudolph Whitehead. She was laid to rest in the Evans Cemetery in Newton County.
Family & Legacy
Olivia was survived by:
- Sisters: Ms. Rosie Scanlan and Ms. Blanche Scanlan of Newton
- Nephew: James Sydney Scanlan of Indianapolis, Indiana
- Niece: Matilda Tillman of California
- A host of other relatives and friends
Pallbearers and flower bearers were friends of the family, demonstrating the respect and affection held for her within the community.
Olivia’s legacy is preserved through the Scanlan and Evans family lines, and her presence remains part of the enduring story of the Evans Cemetery.
Resting Place
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1910 Federal Census
- 1920 Federal Census
- 1930 Federal Census
- 1940 Federal Census
- 1950 Federal Census
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- U.S., Find a Grave® Index, 1600s-Current
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- The Newton Record, Olivia Scanlan Obituary, Wed, Aug 16, 1995 ·Page 15
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