03/10/2026
Sherman Maurice Olive
Sherman Maurice Olive was born on October 29, 1951, in Chicago, Illinois, the second child of Almeda and Lexton Chanie Olive. In his early years, the family moved to Vian, Oklahoma, where Sherman’s bright spirit quickly became evident. He was a vibrant, energetic child who loved being outdoors, playing sports, and embracing every bit of life around him.
Sherman attended Vian High School, where he became part of a remarkable football team, the only squad to hold a championship title until the early 2000s. During these memorable school years, he met the love of his life, Brenda Kay Scoggins. Their connection was deep, eventually blessing them with four beautiful children.
Sherman lived a life over the top, full of heart, laughter. He was a man who brought people together, who made every room brighter simply by walking into it, and who carried a spirit that could not be dimmed by time or distance. Sherman’s spirit was always on a journey, searching for what truly fulfilled him. Even as he traveled throughout the country, his heart consistently led him back to his home in Oklahoma.
In 1996, he and Brenda reunited, bringing new life to a love that had always remained. Shortly after, they made their way back to Vian, the place that held their hearts. Sherman enjoyed attending church and singing baritone in the church choir. Sherman’s warmth earned him the affectionate title of the town’s unofficial mayor.
Sherman’s sunset came on February 5, 2026, in Fort Smith, Arkansas. As he transitioned, he was lovingly welcomed by those who had gone before him: his beloved wife, Brenda; his parents, Almeda and L.C. Olive; his brothers, Andre Olive and Jerome Olive; and his sisters, Hazel Dixon, Sharon Olive-Body, and Donna Olive. He also joined his sons, Christopher Jordan Lee Olive Foreman and Bobbie Foreman; along with beloved extended family who preceded him in death and held him dearly in their hearts.
Sherman leaves behind a rich heritage of love, strength, and family—carried proudly by those whose lives he shaped. He is survived by his five remaining children: Patrick Olive (Tonya Colsten) of Fort Gibson, Arthur-Shawn Olive (Carrie Olive) of Muskogee, Robbie Foreman of Muskogee, Spring Birmingham (who he lovingly called “Pood”) (Joe Birmingham) of Muskogee, and Thaiwanna Olive (John Blevins) of Lawton, OK.
He is also survived by his Brother: Arthur “Winky” Olive of Vian; His sisters who he was so proud to be their big brother, Lexan Johnson of Chicago, IL, Carrie Ann Demery of Mesa, AZ, Lee Chaine Smith of Chicago, IL; and Sister-in-Law, Patricia Daniels of Muskogee, OK.
Sherman’s love for his grandchildren was one of the brightest lights of his life. Nothing brought him more joy than watching them grow, succeed, and discover who they were becoming.
They were not just part of his family; they were his joy, his motivation, and one of the greatest blessings of his life. He especially held close the bond he shared with Jordin Kaylus (Preston Thompson) of Lawton, lovingly calling her “Poppa’s Baby.” This nickname was not just a phrase, it was an expression of a deep, tender connection that reflected how much she meant to him. He carried each grandchild in his heart: LaCressa McChurin, Patrick McHenry, Endio Cheeks, Mystical Cheeks, Markeysha Jackson, Jarrian Carter, Gabrielle Williams, Arthur Olive Jr. (AJ), Kyla Thayer, Anthoney Olive, Nevaeh Walker, Abbiegail Dennis, Lillie Dennis, Devonte Swafford, Haley Royse, Evan Royse, Cherry Royse, Braxton Cunningham, Ethan Warren, Zoe Birmingham, Decland Olive, ShiAnn Thayer, Tyshawn Olive, Delvin Garza, Shawna Garza, Ayden Olive, and Aubreyanna Fortenberry and for the more than 40 great-grandchildren who followed, Sherman extended that same love, warmth, and pride. Sherman’s legacy of love lives strongest in his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in their laughter, their dreams, their courage, and the family bond they continue to share because of the foundation he helped build.
There is an extensive list of nieces, nephews and extended family who will cherish his memory along with a special group of lifelong friends who stood by him always: Harold Harris, Louis Bland, and Michael Dixon and his favorite nephew, Jerry Scoggins—a brotherhood that never wavered.
Though his earthly journey has ended, Sherman’s presence remains deeply rooted in the lives he touched. His stories will continue to be told, the sound of his laughter remembered, and his love felt in the quiet moments when we think of him. His impact will echo through generations, reminding those who loved him that his life was meaningful; his heart was generous, and his spirit was absolutely one of a kind.
As we say goodbye, we do so with gratitude—for the years we had with him, for the memories he gifted us, and for the love he never stopped giving. He will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and lovingly remembered.
Funeral Service will be at 1:00 PM on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 at Agent Mallory Martin Chapel in Sallisaw, Oklahoma. Burial will follow at Roselawn Cemetery in Vian, Oklahoma under the direction of Agent Mallory Martin Funeral Service, Inc.
Active Pallbearers will be Braxton Cunningham, Shawn Olive, Tony Scoggins, Louis Bland, Steve Scoggins and Michael Dixon. Honorary Pallbearers will be Thaiwanna Olive, Spring Birmingham, Patrick Olive, Jarrod Barrera, Jesse Scoggins and Anthoney Olive. "Little Flower Girls" will be Alice Dennis, Stormie-Lynn Cunningham, Zoe Birmingham, Emily Evenger, Kilynn Rife, Nalani Fields, and Ariyah Sue.
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