Olivia Byrd Stanley, age 69, was carried gently by the angels to be in her heavenly home in the arms of Jesus on January 16, 2024.

She was surrounded by family and friends who dearly loved her.  She was the daughter of the late Royal Dixon Watson and Margaret Webb Watson.  She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry Byrd and her brother, Rondal Watson.

She is survived by her husband, Jerry F. Stanley.  Olivia was a devoted mother of sons, Bobby Dean Bowlin and Timothy Shawn Byrd. She was also survived by her sisters, Wanda Yelton (husband Ray) and Brenda Greer; several grandchildren, close nieces, nephews and other relatives.

In her earlier years, Olivia attended Temple Hill Baptist Church where she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior.  Until her illness, Olivia was a loyal and hard-worker as an inspector at Hickory Chair for 16 years.  She enjoyed camping, riding motorcycle to mountains, loved the beach and basking in the sun.  However, Olivia's most important love was spending time with her family.  Her home and her heart was always opened to lend a listening ear, give advice, provide hot meals, many cookouts, birthday parties and other celebrations.  As her illness progressed, her ability to communicate had decreased barely speaking a word or two.  But even then, her broad smile and laughter filled the air and brightened the hearts of those who walked in her path.  It is an honor for those who knew her and she will be deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested for donations to Amorem Hospice (Formerly Caldwell Hospice and Palliative Care).

A celebration of Olivia's life will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2024 at 2:00 PM at New Vision Baptist Fellowship Church.

Online condolences may be left at www.greer-mcelveenfuneralhome.com.

Greer-McElveen Funeral Home and Crematory is assisting the Stanley family.