Ollie M. Colwell

Ollie Mae Colwell, 84, of Galesburg, formerly of Abingdon, died on Sunday, April 21, 2024 at Knox County Nursing Home in Knoxville.

She was born August 22, 1939, the oldest of 9 children born to Cleo and Bernita (Coats) Taylor in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. Ollie was reared and educated in Abingdon. She married Carl E. Colwell on October 21, 1957 in Burlington, Iowa. Ollie worked at The Pantry in Abingdon in the 70’s and 80’s, then her main focus became being a dedicated homemaker and mother.

Left to cherish her memory is her husband of 66 years, Carl Colwell of Knoxville; three sons: Bob (Pam) Colwell and Bill (Patti) Colwell, both of Galesburg, and Dan (Dicksy) Colwell of Abingdon; six grandchildren: Jamie, Heather, Billy, Courtney, Bryan (McKayla), and Scott Colwell; and four great-grandchildren: Bre’onna Kelley, Zay Colwell, Kingston Colwell, and Londyn Cunningham. She was preceded in death by her parents; three sisters; and five brothers.

Ollie enjoyed cooking, gardening, bird watching, traveling, and sewing. In her free time, she loved to sew and would create many beautiful handmade crafts and sell them at the local craft shows. Ollie especially loved Christmas and spending the holidays with her family and friends. She was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend and will be deeply missed.

Cremation will be accorded. No services are planned at this time. A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Online expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.