Maryelizabeth P. “Pete” Oliver, 86, of Beaumont, died Sunday, November 29, 2009, at Houston Hospice in Houston.

She was a native of New York, New York and worked at YMCA for several years and later as secretary for a church in New York before moving to Beaumont in 1967. She and her husband, James, lived many places around the world due to his Navy career. After moving to Beaumont, they became members of Trinity United Methodist Church and were very active members.

Pete was Director of Children’s Ministries; former Texas Regional Director of Children’s Ministries and was Director of the “Angel Tree” for several years at Trinity.  Helping others has always been a joy for Pete; she showed her love by working with children and teaching Sunday school.  Pete was very active with United Methodist Women and Some Other Place.  She was a founder of the school volunteer program at Longfellow Elementary and served as past president of the PTA. In 2005, she was awarded the Volunteer of the Year from Eugene Field Elementary.

Survivors include her husband of sixty-six years, James A. Oliver, Jr. of Beaumont; daughters, Suellen Campbell and her husband Charles of Houston, Betsy Freeman of Katy and Meigan Ashy of Beaumont; a son, David M. Oliver of Beaumont; six grandchildren; and two great grandchildren.

Her funeral service will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 2, 2009, at Trinity United Methodist Church under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.  Her graveside service will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 3, 2009, at Houston National Cemetery.  A gathering of her family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 1, 2009, at Broussard’s.

Memorial contributions may be made to Houston Hospice, 1905 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, Texas 77030 or to Some Other Place, P.O. Box 843, Beaumont, Texas 77704.