Pastor Marvin Oliver, a humble servant of God transitioned from this life into eternity on July 20, 2026. He was the son of the late Andrew and Lorraine Oliver, born in Suffern, New York on February 28, 1958. He was a graduate of Walter Panas High School located in Cortlandt Manor, New York.

Pastor Oliver later went on to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from Mount Saint Mary College. While a student there, he played collegiate basketball. He continued to further his education by earning Master of Education degrees from SUNY New Paltz and Western Connecticut College, respectively.

As a young man, Pastor Oliver pursued many interests which included performing once at the Apollo Theater, modeling, and  brief appearances in small budget commercials.

Although a resident of Peekskill, Pastor Oliver traveled to Poughkeepsie to receive singing lessons from the late Pastor Thomas Johnson. From their mentoring relationship, the course of his life changed radically. With God’s leading Pastor Oliver became a member of Beth-El Church of God in Christ over 30 years ago under the leadership of the late Bishop James E. Hunt and Mother Leatrice Hunt. During his tutelage, Bishop Hunt once asked Pastor Oliver a soul-searching question, “Are you filled with the Holy Ghost?” This one pivotal question led Pastor Oliver to seek to be filled with the Holy Ghost and to live a surrendered life to God.

He became a faithful servant from that time on. When Pastor Oliver  felt led of God to enter the ministry, Bishop James Hunt directed  him to complete his theological studies in the Mid-Hudson Bible Institute. Pastor Oliver later earned a Bachelor of Theology degree from the Mid-Hudson Bible Institute.

Pastor Oliver married the love of his life, Phyllistine Ross, on October 6, 1985. They have been married 40 years and were blessed with three sons, Elder Andrew Oliver (Spouse, Eboni), Philip Oliver, and Joshua Oliver. Pastor and Lady Oliver are also the proud grandparents of three little gifts from God, Brielle, Ava, and Kamille Oliver.

Family has always been a priority for Pastor Oliver. He was a loving and devoted husband and father. Together they kept their sons involved in church, school, and extracurricular activities. Pastor Oliver often coached his sons in the sport of basketball. As his sons grew, he remained actively involved in supporting their educational and extracurricular interests.

Pastor Oliver also served as a public-school educator for 30 years before retiring from Peekskill City School District. Not only was he instrumental in the lives of his students as an educator, but he also coached girls’ high school and boys’ AAU  basketball teams.

Upon entering the ministry, Pastor Oliver served faithfully in several capacities. He initially assisted the late Bishop Hunt in the Dutchess County Jail ministry and later went on to serve as one of the weekly Bible Study teachers. He served as a member of the Beth-El Praise and Worship Team, Coordinator and Teacher of Vacation Bible School, New Member Instructor,  Choir Member, Workshop Facilitator, Food Pantry volunteer, Deacon, Minister, and Elder. Pastor Oliver also served ten years as the fourth-year instructor of the Mid-Hudson Bible Institute with the assistance of his wife, Phyllistine Oliver.

Under the leadership of Dr. Dwight A. Hunt, Pastor Oliver was assigned to New Hope Church of God in Christ located in Poughkeepsie, New York. He served faithfully in that assignment for 12 years. He was often fondly referred to as the “Teaching Pastor.” He truly strived to live a life that was pleasing in the sight of God. He  led with integrity, honesty, and a sincere desire that people understand the Word of God. Despite health challenges, he kept his spiritual eyes focused on God and the mandate placed upon his life. One of his favorite gospel songs was “My Soul Has Been Anchored in the Lord.”  Pastor Oliver often stated that his life’s motivation was to do all to the Honor and Glory of God.

He leaves to honor and cherish his memory, his devoted wife, Phyllistine Oliver; his children, Elder Andrew Oliver (Eboni), Poughkeepsie, NY; Philip Oliver, Poughkeepsie, NY; Joshua Oliver, Boston, Mass; sister/cousins Mother Myra Miller (Charles) and Shirley Miller; grandchildren, Brielle, Ava, and Kamille Oliver;  mother-in-love, Constance Redd and father-in-love, James Pearson (Doris); sisters-in-love: Vestine Patrick (Robert)and Raquel Redd; brothers-in-love, Dana Ross (Juanita) and Gregory Redd; aunt-in-love, Meredith Ross and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Lorraine Oliver.