Lurodine "Deene/Deenie" Woods Olson

Lurodine Olson, 94, passed away early morning on June 18, 2026. She is survived by daughter Karen House and Karen’s longtime partner Mark Sanborn of Durham, son Carl Olson of Los Angeles, grandson Ian Olson House of Brooklyn, NY, and nieces Julie, Nancy, Sue, Linda and Sandy. She also leaves behind her friends Lynda, Bobbi, Brian and Adrienne.

She was preceded in death by her husband Doswell Olson, daughter Virginia "Ginger" Olson and sister Bonnie Johnson, along with friends Annette and Mitchell Bost.

Deene or Deenie, as she was known to friends and family, was born in Memphis on January 17, 1932, to parents Hurlet C. and Elsie Quinn Woods. After high school graduation in Dexter, MO, she moved to Washington, D.C. and worked at the FBI. She met her husband, (fondly known as "C.D. or Dos") on a blind date. They started their life together in the D.C. area, eventually moving to Kansas, Virginia and North Carolina for his work. Deenie's passions included health food, nature, reading books and astrology. During her teaching years, she taught astrology classes in her home and at Forsyth Technical Community College and Unity Church of Winston-Salem. Her students appreciated her tact and focus. Her children still remember her cornmeal tamales and Swedish meatballs and her rich chuckle at a good joke. Her grandson Ian recalled that when he was a young child visiting her, he’d ask to take a “present” home (usually a rock or crystal). Without hesitation, she’d always oblige, always making sure he’d take “a piece of her” home.

Her immediate family shared photos and fond memories in lieu of a memorial service. They thank the nurses, admin and support staff at Brookridge Retirement Community in Winston-Salem and Trellis Supportive Care (hospice) in Kernersville for their good, steady care. May she rest in peace.