Miss Ollie's Tombstone

Miss Ollie was perhaps one of the most famous Jacksonians of her day. Born January 20, 1887, Martha Ollie B. Pope became a wealthy woman for her day. Operating at 522 South Liberty (near Burger King) in downtown Jackson, Miss Ollie had a house of beautiful “girls.”

He ran her “house” for more than thirty years, she was known around the country for her successful business.

Her death on May 12, 1954 prompted alot of concern when Jerry and Jack Smith, twin sons of Jackson mayor and Smith Funeral Home owner  George  Smith, began to call leading Jackson businessmen. They were making fake calls, telling these business men that Miss Ollie requested them to serve as a pallbeaerer at her funeral.

Each call prompted a long silence followed by “Well . . . I’d love to but I will be out of town.”

Stories continue to come in about people who know Miss Ollie, knew of Miss Ollie but no one seems to know someone who “did ‘business’ with Miss Ollie.”