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Olarene Tinsley

August 14, 1927 — May 18, 2017

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Old Town Cemetery of Haynesville

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Olarene Tinsley

HAYNESVILLE, LA: Olarene Tinsley passed away on Thursday, May 18, 2017 at Claiborne Manor in Homer, LA. She was born on August 14, 1927 to Samuel H. Milam and Blanche V. Hill Milam in Tonkawa, OK. Olarene married Leroy Tinsley on October 9, 1946 in Claiborne Parish. They were part of a group of pioneers that started drilling for oil in the bayous and marshes of offshore Louisiana and shaping the oil industry into what it is today. Olarene excelled at making a trailer a home in Burras, Port Sulphur and Houma, and later years in Lafayette and Dallas, Texas. Olarene and Leroy returned to Homer in 1970 where she continued caring for their home and farm while Leroy worked away until he retired in 1985. Never wanting to leave the farm they enjoyed gardening, tending cows and bailing hay. They each had their own John Deere tractor. Olarene was a member of the Order of Eastern Stars Chapter 177 in Shongaloo, LA. She was also a member of Ruple Baptist Church where she served as treasurer and secretary for many years. Olarene and Leroy volunteered at church for many years when Vacation Bible School rolled around they served snowcones and provided watermelons of which they truly enjoyed. Olarene was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of 68 years, Leroy Tinsley; sons-in-law, Charlie Burcham and Jesse Lee Baskin, Jr.; and grandson, Eric Beavers. Olarene is survived by her 3 children, Betsy Burcham of Haynesville, Marilyn Baskin of Shreveport and David L. Tinsley and wife Anne of Perry, LA; 2 brothers, Sammy Milam of Virginia Beach, VA and Roy Lee Milam and wife Barbara of Shreveport, LA; 7 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 6 great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Pall bearers were Jake Tinsley, Beau Tinsley, Rusty Johnston, Chase Harner, Garrett Sepulvado and Phillip Sims. Honorary pallbearers were Coleman Sepulvado, Edwin Sepulvado, Steven Harner and Derek Johnston. Thanks to Claiborne Manor staff and Aime Hospice Care. Graveside services were held on Saturday, May 20, 2017 at the 2:00 p.m. at Old Town Cemetery in Haynesville, LA. In lieu of flowers honoring Olarene, her family asked that donations be made to St. Jude or Shriners.