Evelyn Olschner

Obituary Lucy Evelyn Lilley Olschner, 99, formerly of Jacksonville, of Morehead City, died August 16, 2018, at Brookdale Nursing Home. Evelyn was born in Martin County, NC on December 23, 1918, to John Daniel and Lucy Cory Lilley, and was the fifth daughter of six children. While attending Williamston High School, she replaced the high school bands Drum Major, becoming generally recognized as the first woman majorette in North Carolina. She traveled the State, leading parades and accepted a scholarship from Elon College to lead the Elon Band in 1936. During World War II, she worked on obtaining her pilots license to help with the ferrying of planes. In 1944, she married Joseph Clarence Olschner, who practiced law in Jacksonville, and the couple also had a home on Evans Street in Morehead City. Evelyn was active in community organizations in Jacksonville while also operating her own business, The Keeping Room, selling antiques. Evelyn was a woman of many interests and talents with a love for music, playing the piano, poetry, and was always active, playing tennis through her 70s and golf through her 80s. When Evelyn had a stroke at 85, she was prevented from driving for six months and rode her bicycle to shop and do all her errands. Evelyns fervent passion was to study the Bible, and she devoted the last 50 years of her life to this pursuit. Estelle Carver was one of her Bible Teachers who had a great influence on her life and her biblical study. Evelyn loved memorization of poems and verses and retained that ability to her last days. In planning her final service, she said, "I just want people to know that it is all about Jesus." Evelyn is survived by her children, Joseph E. Olschner, Raleigh, NC and Barbara F. Olschner, Santa Rosa Beach, FL; brother, J. D. Lilley, Williamston; grandchildren, Naomi Olschner, Jessica Olschner, both of Winston-Salem, NC; nieces, Jane Grey Benson, Fagie Pruden, Frankie Anderson, Lucy Sauls, Betty Witzke; nephews, Len Nagle, Paul Nagle, Jeff Lilley, Bobby Biggs, and many grand nieces nephews and great grand nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Evelyn is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph C. Olschner, and sisters, Lavinia Biggs, Margie Nagle, Velma Carstarphen and Thelma Blackmore. Graveside service will be held Monday, August 20, 11:00 AM at Greenwood Cemetery, with Rev. John F. Grayson, officiating. In lieu of flowers, it was Evelyns request that donations be made to the church or ministry of their choosing. Graveside Service 11:00 AM ,Monday, August 20, 2018 Greenwood Cemetery Myrtle Street Morehead City, NC, Carteret 28557 Services You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or by planting a memorial tree in the memory of Evelyn Olschner