Ollie Mae McGinest

Daughter. Sister. Mother. Grandmother. The life of Ollie Mae McGinest started January 26, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama. She was the third child and first girl born to Lynwood and Dorothy McGinest. Her siblings are Lynwood Jr. (deceased), Willie, George, Crawford (deceased), Bessie (deceased), Pricilla, Doris, and Paul. She graduated from Rosedale High School in Homewood, Alabama. In her early twenties, Ollie migrated from Birmingham, Alabama to Long Beach, California and lived for a short time with her brother, Wille. During that time Ollie met L. C. Hall in late 1967 when they were both working at an income tax office in Long Beach. Eventually, the two moved in together, and in December of 1968 their eldest daughter (Dorothy, aka Pebbles) was born. Their second daughter (Shunda) was born in September of 1970. Ollie held positions in various skilled nursing homes as a dietary aide. In addition, she worked as a private duty home health aide. Eventually, her last position was as a cook in a skilled nursing facility. Ollie loved her afros, fashion, and soul music, such as Teddy Pendergrass and Al Green. She passed her love of music on to her children who remember listening to various albums over the years, including the comedy of Richard Pryor (even though they were not supposed to). Although she had many struggles over the years, she still left this life better for her children and grandchildren. She was a gift - a good woman and mother. We were blessed to have her.