Frances Olivia Byrd, 77, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, November 8, 2022, after a period of declining health, surrounded by family at Rex Hospital in Raleigh. Olivia was born December 1, 1944, in Durham, NC to the late William Excel Andrews and Janie Lee Andrews.
Olivia attended Campbell University after graduating from Southern High School in Durham. She worked as a legal secretary before becoming a realtor, a profession she enjoyed for 28 years. A true “People Person”, she loved meeting people from all walks of life and helping them find their dream home. But Olivia’s true passion was her family. She was a devoted and beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Olivia loved celebrating and decorating for every holiday from Valentine's Day to Christmas and everything in between. Along with her children and grandchildren she crafted hundreds of ornaments over the years, many of which will be hung lovingly on trees this Christmas with a fond memory of Olivia. A member of Creedmoor Road Baptist Church, Olivia sang in the choir, faithfully attended Sunday School, and served on several committees including the Joy Club and the Hospitality Committee. Olivia and her husband served as caregivers for one another through considerable health challenges over the past decade, exhibiting an unconditional love and devotion that touched all who visited. Family and friends will remember Olivia’s kind heart, positivity, and unbreakable spirit.
Olivia is survived by her husband of 41 years, Charles Thomas Byrd; son Henry Lee Poole Jr. (Betsy Watson); daughters, Angie Smith (Brent), Kathy Batten (Marvin), Daphne Cochran (Jason); brother, Bill Andrews (Emily); grandchildren, Madyson Batten (Steve Everhart), Austin Cochran, Angela Brooke Cochran, and Mark Batten (Katie); great-grandchildren, Charlotte Robinson and Paxton Cochran; niece, Beth Moye (David), nephew, Billy Andrews (Ashley), several great-nieces and a great-nephew.
A funeral service was held on Friday, November 11, 2022, at Creedmoor Road Baptist Church, 6001 Creedmoor Road, Raleigh NC 27612. Officiating was Rev. Danny Estave. Burial followed at Brier Creek Memorial Gardens.
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