Olivia Endsley

Olivia “Libby” Yeats Endsley, age 82, passed from this life Sunday, November 2, 2025. She was born September 18, 1943 in Monroe, LA to the late Rev L.J. and Hazzle Yeats.

Born into a family deeply rooted in ministry, Olivia was the daughter of Rev. L.J. Yeats, who founded Selman Field Pentecostal Church in 1956. From an early age, her love for the Lord and for music was evident. Alongside her two brothers, she sang as part of the Yeats Trio, traveling across the country to sing at camp meetings, tent revivals, and churches, spreading joy and the message of salvation through song.

A gifted and accomplished musician, Olivia played the piano, accordion, and organ with grace and anointing. Her musical talents were a blessing not only to her church but also to her family, as she passed down her love for music to her children and grandchildren.

In addition to her ministry, Olivia was known for her many other talents. A skilled seamstress, she spent countless late nights sewing clothes for her children and draperies for her home. She was also a wonderful cook; her pot roast was famous among family and friends. Olivia’s hands were never idle; whether tending to her flower beds or working on projects around her beloved Whitehall Plantation, the historic 1852 antebellum home she helped restore into a family treasure, she poured her heart into everything she did.

Above all, Olivia’s faith was the foundation of her life. She received the Holy Ghost at the age of seven and remained steadfast in her walk with the Lord throughout her life. After her father’s retirement, she and her beloved husband, Rev. Ralph Endsley, faithfully took up the mantle of leadership at Selman Field Pentecostal Church. Together, they were a powerful team; Olivia leading worship with sensitivity to the Spirit, and always attuned to her husband’s ministry. She was the true heart of the church, a devoted pastor’s wife, a spiritual mother, and a source of wisdom, strength, and common sense to all who knew her.

Sister Olivia Endsley was a trooper; strong, determined, and full of grace until the very end. Her legacy of faith, family, music, and love will live on through the many lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her parents; one brother William Kenneth Yeats; and one daughter Teresa Endsley.

Those left to cherish her memory include: her loving husband of sixty-three years Rev. Ralph Endsley; one daughter Dana Strickland (Simeon); six grandchildren Lauren Strickland (Makayla), Anna Maria Smith (Tyler), Olivia Stickland, Hadassah Lester (Tommy), Judith Warren (Nathan), Micah Endsley; four great-grandchildren M. J. Lester, Madeline Lester, Thomas Lester and Harper Smith; one brother Rev. Michael Yeats; as well as a host of extended family and friends.

Funeral services in her honor will be held at 1:00 PM Wednesday, November 5, 2025, at AOM, 5919 DeSiard St Monroe, LA 71203, interment following at Springhill Cemetery in Swartz, LA. A time of visitation will be held from 5-7:00 PM at Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the church.