Olie Barbara Hamblin of Institute, age 70, passed from this life on Wednesday, October 11, 2006.

She was the third child born to Miriam and Adolph P. Hamblin, Sr., founder of the Biology Department at WVSC. By two years old, it was discovered Olie was deaf and mute. She was taken to Galesburg, IL to live with her grandmother, who took her to boarding school, The Illinois School for the Deaf at Jacksonville, IL. In the 10th grade she returned to live with her family in Institute and attended the Institute Deaf and Blind School. She graduated high school from the Romney School for the Deaf. At WVSC, as a special student, she studied Art under Della Brown Taylor. She was prolific in sculpture, painting and crafts and had a showing at the Public Library in Charleston. Her travels with her mother included trips to The Grand Canyon, across Canada to the World's Fair at Montreal, Washington State, California, Paris, France and Hawaii. Olie processed through the Laundry Program at the WV Rehabilitation Center and in 1980 was employed at the CAMC Laundry. She was a faithful, diligent worker there for 26 years until her retirement in June 2006. Olie was a Christian believer and was baptized at St. James Episcopal Church May 1, 1994. She was taken to Thomas Memorial Hospital Thursday, (10-5) in a diabetic coma and failed to recover after heart complications. She leaves to mourn her loss, Sisters, Caroline H. Tucker of Mechanicsville, VA, Ethel Andrews of Institute, nieces, nephews and friends.

At the end of the 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist Service Sunday, October 15th at St. James Episcopal Church, there will be a Remembrance of Olie Barbara Hamblin. St. James Church is at 3001 7th Avenue, in North Charleston. She will be cremated.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the WVSU Foundation; 200 Erickson Alumni Center; Institute, WV 25112.

Arrangements are in the care of Keller Funeral Home.