Esther Olivia (BeBe) Johnson Whitfield went to be with her heavenly Father December 24, 2024. She was born June 6, 1943, to Edward (Nat) and Sara Frances Johnson. She lived in Bristol, FL all her life.
On August 22, 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Ralph Whitfield. She worked as Vice-President for Weaver Oil Company for 35 years, and you could find her many Saturdays (especially during football season) at one of the Hogly Wogly locations helping the staff and whipping up her famous coleslaw and chicken salad. Later she worked as Secretary for Sheriff Harrell Wood Revell until her retirement.
Olivia was a woman of great faith and was very involved in church. She also served her community through various local organizations. She was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and dedicated her life to helping others. Whether it was taking care of someone going through cancer, or feeding families who were less fortunate, she always took the initiative to look after others.
In fall of 2005 the tables were turned when she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. When the surgeon gave her the choice of surgery or waiting to see what the tumor would do, she said she wanted to be there for her grandchildren and opted for the surgery. Subsequently, she had a stroke and was bedridden for many months. She never gave up even when the doctors did. With her family by her side, she proved them wrong and became stronger and stronger as the months went by.
Even though she was in a wheelchair, she was never idle. She tended to her flowers outside, cooked and ironed clothes with passion.
Olivia was loved and admired by many and will be missed dearly.
She was preceded in death by her father, Nat Johnson; her mother and stepfather, Sara Frances and Lloyd Davis; son, Rex Whitfield; brothers, Lewis Edward and James (Bookie) Johnson; nephews, Scott Pybus, Jim Johnson and Eddie Johnson.
She is survived by her husband Ralph Whitfield; sister, Euratha (Roger) Nichols of Clarksville; children, Bradley (Michelle) Whitfield of Bristol and Rachel (Al) Bryant of Bristol; her precious grandchildren, Hana (Toby) Williams of Tallahassee and Breyden, Sara and Mady Bryant of Bristol; great grandchildren, Skyler and Emiko Williams of Tallahassee and a host of nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be at Corinth Baptist Church in Hosford Friday, December 27th beginning at 3:00 pm ET, and funeral services to follow at 4:00 pm ET with Pastor Kyle Peddie and Brother Fred Watson officiating.
Adams Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Online condolences may be made at adamsfh.com 850-674-5449
Friday, December 27, 2024
3:00 - 4:00 pm (Eastern time)
Corinth Baptist Church
Friday, December 27, 2024
4:00 - 5:00 pm (Eastern time)
Corinth Baptist Church
Visits: 1086
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