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Olive J. Gaskins age 100 of San Antonio passed away Wednesday, February 27, 2019. She was born October 24, 1918 in Covington, Kentucky to Walter Lang and Helene (Hessenahaur) Beeman who preceded her in death. Olive married Frank Gaskins and together, they wanted to get away from the hard winters in Cincinnati, Ohio. They wanted to live somewhere in the south, they also had an idea as to the size city they wanted to move to; and at the time, a city of about 250,000. They decided that they wanted to be in a city big enough to have opportunities but small enough to be easy to get around in. They went to libraries and looked at books and magazines and decided on San Antonio, Texas. Olive was interested in the Spanish/Mexican culture. She made several attempts at learning the languages and took classes 3 or 4 times. While living here, Olive learned more about the culture – its colors, dance, and tradition and came to embrace it. So, Olive and Frank set out on bicycles for San Antonio. They traveled about 300 miles and camped out at night along the way. Olive loved sleeping under the stars. Frank got a horrible sunburn and had to be put in the hospital in St. Louis. A kind family took them in and helped them until they had some money coming in. Both Frank and Olive worked in a munitions factory making ammunition. Olive became an inspector. When the jobs ran out probably toward the end of the war they came down to San Antonio on the train. They packed their belongings in wooden barrels using straw to keep things from getting broken. That’s the way people moved possessions back then. After settling in San Antonio, Frank eventually became Mayor of Balcones Heights. Because of her devotion to her God and church, Olive participated in every available activity. She received the “Most Honored Woman” of St. Luke’s award for 2017. Of her Christian activities, she initiated the Under the Bridge Ministry for feeding the homeless. From a couple of individuals to well over 200 eagerly awaiting Olive’s team for feeding each Sunday. She was part of the Community of Hope, the Flower Ministry, the Altar Guild, the Meditation Group, the Daughters of the King and regularly attended the Diocesan Silent Retreat. In addition to her parents, Olive is preceded in death by her husband, Franklin S. Gaskins and her sisters, Lois C. Beeman and Winifred B. Strider. She is survived by her children Stephanie L. Krueger and her husband, Wayne and Reginald L. Gaskins; her grandchildren, Matthew C. Gaskins and his wife, Kaylee, Kelli M. Dunbar and her husband, Michael, Judi D. Calvert, Suzanne M. Ashford and her husband, Glynn and Keturah L. Cavazos and her husband, Rudy; her great grandchildren, Tate D. Dunbar and his wife, Maria, Talisha E. Dunbar, Nathan S. Calvert, Daphane A. Calvert-Hagg, Ethan R. Cavazos and Devan G. Cavazos; her great great grandchildren, Baby Gaskins, Blake T. Calvert, Logan D. Dunbar and Raygen J. Dunbar; and her sister, Margaret H. McGillivary. Olive will be fondly remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends. The family wishes to give their heartfelt thanks to all relatives and friends. A Memorial Service was held on Friday, March 15, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in her memory may be made to the Under the Bridge Ministry, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 11 St. Luke’s Lane, Alamo Heights, TX 78209.

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Olive J. Gaskins

October 24, 1918 - February 27, 2019