Mrs. Olivia Bennett Gadson, 89
Mrs. Olivia Bennett Gadson, 89, passed away June 16 at her residence in Jacksonville, Fla., under the care of hospice.
Mrs. Gadson was born Jan. 16, 1937, in McRae to the late Charlie Spencer Bennett and Mattie Lou Bennett. Mrs. Gadson worked as a paraprofessional in the Duval County School System until she began to have health concerns.
Olivia loved working with children, which required a blend of emotional intelligence, adaptability and boundless energy. Her education qualities included immense patience for her student’s developmental stages, strong communication to translate concepts clearly, and creativity to keep them engaged. Her nurturing, empathetic temperament was vital for building trust with her students.
Olivia was a faithful member of Friendship Baptist Church (the Rev. Dr. Aloysius Denard) in Jacksonville, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her husband Melvin Edward Gadson; parents Charlie Spencer and Mattie Lou Bennett; daughters Iris Denise Bennett and Wendy Glendoria Gadson Turner; son Frank Gadson; and siblings Walter Bennett, Edna Thornton, Ernestine Balkcom, Charlene Briggs, Reuben Bennett Sr., Mattie Travis, Deroy Bennett and Janet Johnson.
Olivia leaves to cherish a lifetime of memories with her children Roderick Melvin Gadson, Tajuana Denise Miles; son-in-law Marvin Turner; daughter-in-law Violet Gedis Gadson; adorable grandchildren Franchetta E. Rock (AB Rock), Juduan S. Miles, Brandon Dumas, Jovan D. Miles (Jasmin Miles), Jamel Miles, Rodnecia Gadson, NaKisha Gadson, Ruth Gadson, Frank Gadson Jr., Khlaid Gadson (Ann Gadson), and Branden Geddis; beautiful great-grandchildren Christopher Moore Jr., Alexia Jackson, Aaliyah Jackson, Davon Creech, Miles McKinnes, Jovan Deuce Miles, Jahamari Miles, Jeremiah Miles, Deondre Kelsey, Derrien Jackson and Necole Jackson; precious great-great-grandchildren Tyrell Campbell, JaSai Austin and Ty’liyah Campbell; siblings Amy Kornegay (Quincy), Charlie Bennett (Dale), Mary Fisher, Jim Bennett, Valoria Bennett and Ray Bennett (Patricia); special cousin Doris Pitts; special nephew/son Xavier Bennett; devoted godson Brandon Ross; devoted friend Annie M. Manning; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Services were held June 27 at Bennett Tabernacle Holiness Church with the Rev. Reuben Bennett Jr. officiating.
Interment followed in Francis Chapel Cemetery, McRae.
Active pallbearers were Bennett family nephews.
Honorary pallbearers were Charlie Bennett Jr., Jim Bennett and Ray Bennett.
Thornton’s Funeral Home was in charge.
