Olivia Jane Jackson Stevens — beloved wife, mother, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, and friend to so many — went home to be with her Lord Jesus Christ on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021.
She was born to S.H. Jackson, Sr., and Louise Moye Jackson on March 12, 1940, in Donovan, Ga. She was married Sept. 5, 1959, to the love of her life, Bobby Ray Stevens, and — just last month — they celebrated 62 years of love, laughter, and life together.
She leaves behind her daughter, Kelli Mayfield, her husband, David and granddaughter, Kate; daughter, Jennifer Collins, husband, Brad and grandson, Caz; sister, Judy Jackson Wammock, husband, Mike and their three children: Gina, Chris and Laurie, her brother, Dr. Bill Jackson and sister-in-law Dr. Billie Jackson, Stephanie Jackson Moon and her three sons, Chan, Brian and Ben; her niece, Connie Adams; nephew, Steve Barfoot; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews. Olivia is preceded in death by her parents, mother and father-in-law Mr. and Mrs. L.B. Stevens; brother, Sammy Jackson; nephew, Jim Wammock; and sister-in-law Frances Barfoot.
She grew up as the firstborn on the family farm, where she spent many days learning important life lessons from her paternal grandmother “Miss Ammie.” Those lessons she later shared with her own granddaughter in Olivia’s most prized role as “Mimi — the most perfect grandmother ever” — an award bestowed to her by her much beloved Kate.
Olivia attended school in Wrightsville, graduating in 1958, receiving additional training in business in Macon, which served her well at the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center Counseling Service. She faithfully assisted Chaplain Tim Brown, also a cherished friend, retiring after sharing many years of her life providing exceptional compassionate service for that ministry.
She was an avid runner for some 30 years and competed in multiple marathons, often taking home top honors in her division. She found great pleasure in staying fit and was still considered by all a most beautiful and stylish woman. Olivia and Bobby enjoyed many years in Dublin, Ga., where their love for each other was evident for all to see.
Quietly sharing many meals on their deck; oblivious that neighbors watched and admired their daily routine of togetherness. In Clayton, their lovely mountain home on the top of Pinnacle Mountain, provided just the getaway to enjoy mountain living. They were often hiking up to the top to view their spectacular surroundings or seen rounding curves on their way down their mountain for breakfast in town. They finished their morning by making plans for the day as they made the trek back home, then headed out for their chosen adventure. They were regulars at many local restaurants, both in Dublin and Clayton, never tiring of sharing time over a great meal with family and friends, but always reserving late evenings just for themselves.
Her love for music, especially classic country music, was well-known to those who loved her. She developed friendships with musicians at the VA which brought her much happiness. However, it was when jamming with brother Bill on her harmonica that her musical talent really made her baby blue eyes twinkle. Olivia’s love of laughter was well known and created quite a rivalry with her brothers. Her pranks forced her siblings to concoct schemes to try and outdo hers, but she was typically the queen of that competition.
Olivia was a long-standing and faithful member of Jefferson Street Baptist Church for nearly 50 years. She also attended Clayton Baptist Church and Liberty Baptist Church when weekends found them in northeast Georgia.
Words cannot adequately express the love and admiration her family and friends had for her, nor can our descriptions of her reveal the depth of loss we feel at this time, but this is our heartfelt attempt to do just that.
Due to the present health concerns, the family wishes to grieve privately these next few weeks. They will conduct a celebration of her life at a later date to be announced. In lieu of flowers, they request any donations be made to Jefferson Street Baptist Church. Please visit www.townsendfuneralhome.com to sign the online memorial register.