Vera Jo Lacy Olson

Vera Jo Lacy was born in Fort Worth, Texas. The Great Depression hit two months before she was born. Having no job, Jo’s mother had to work to support her new born as well as herself. The only job she could get was as maid for a wealthy family who required her to work day and night for 6.5 days a week. Therefore, Jo, at 5 years old, was dumped unceremoniously at an orphanage. She spent a lot of her childhood shuffled between family, orphanage, and foster parents. Finally, at the age of 12, Jo was rescued by her mother when she finally finished business school and could support her only child. Vera Jo had a very difficult childhood jumping from one place to another; changing schools often. With gaps in her education, she was able to graduate from Reagan High School in Houston, Texas. She then attended Texas Women’s University where she graduated in elementary education. Jo met her intended, Orion Olson, in Denton, Texas. They got married by a Presbyterian minister who was gracious enough to marry a Christian Scientist and a Lutheran. They appreciated that minister so much that they became Presbyterian. Jo gave her family a good life. She was a stay-at-home wife and mother for 14 years. Later, she became a substitute teacher in the Caddo Parish School System of Shreveport.

Jo and Orion moved to Richland Center, Wisconsin to retire in the late 80’s. They enjoyed their friends and neighbors while reveling in the beauty of the land. Jo especially enjoyed her bridge club.

After Orion’s death, Jo moved to Lake Charles where she stayed in the mother-in-law house of Robert and Diana. She always bloomed where she was planted asking for a Presbyterian Church to attend. In 2015, Jo became a member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church. She then donated a cross made by Orion that hangs in the Fellowship hall. The next year, Jo lit the cross hanging in the sanctuary. She loved her church family dearly and gave them many hugs.

Jo is preceded in death by her beloved husband, Orion Arland Olson, her son, Randall Orton Olson, and her granddaughter, Alicia Lewis Smith.

Jo leaves behind her daughter Diana Olson Lewis (Robert), granddaughter, Shanna Tiffany Lewis Simon (Aaron), and numerous Great Grandchildren which she loved dearly.

Jo’s ashes will be laid to rest at a later date in Shreveport. She will be between her beloved husband and son while her spirit joins them in heaven.

Please give any memorials to:

St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

4020 Hodges St

Lake Charles, LA. 70605

Celebration of Life will be at a later date.