Olivia Williams

Olivia Williams of Cincinnati, Ohio, trailblazer, firebrand and beloved mother of four passed away peacefully on the afternoon of Friday March 03, 2023. The family mourns the loss of their one-of-a-kind matriarch who leaves behind an enduring legacy of love, service, and faith.

In addition to her parents, Olivia is predeceased by her brother Kellice Powell and sister Nelda Jackson (Hosea deceased). Olivia is survived by her four children Donnie Dunn (Darlene), Carla Johnson (Ernest), Rickie Dunn, and Kecia Williams and her beloved grandchildren: Jaqueline Powels, Byrant Powels (Jasmine), Cameron Coleman-Williams, and Brandin Dunn; her sisters Virginia Powell, Victoria Buchanan, Patricia Whitfield, sister-in-law Lavern Powell and her lifelong work sister Ms. Ernestine Jarrell. There are several nieces, nephews, great grandchildren, and extended family members that will miss her dearly.

Olivia was born on July 15, 1942 in Cincinnati, Ohio to Myrtle Lee Hawkins-Powell and William Richard Powell where she was raised on Van Buren street in the village of Lincoln Heights, the first primarily black self-governing community north of the Mason-Dixon line.

Despite political forces of the day that sought to limit opportunities in her community, Olivia was not one to “put up with putting up”. She became involved with Operation PUSH, an organization founded by Jesse Jackson in the late 1960s that advocated black self-help. With the assistance of the PUSH organization Olivia took advantage of an expanding array of job opportunities.

Olivia was a force of nature. She did everything in her power to care for her young family no matter what it took from tending bar at Sharonville’s upscale Windjammer Restaurant to pulling early shifts alongside her mother at one of Cincinnati’s largest and most notorious employers, the General Diaper Service.

True to the spirit of the embattled community she was raised in, Olivia was a champion for racial equity and civil rights especially for the women in her community. Avon, a large multinational, began expanding its’ workforce in the 1960s bringing a slew of new jobs to the Cincinnati region. After several denied attempts to apply for one of the many open positions, Olivia organized a cadre of 30 women to descend upon the Avon facility to demand consideration for employment. In the face of unrelenting pressure and the prying eye of the local news media spurred on by Olivia’s insistence, Avon backpedaled. Olivia became one of the first black female manufacturing employees in the Springdale facility.

Never one satisfied with sitting still, Olivia continued working her way up through every opportunity she could uncover in the organization. Olivia went on to retire from Avon in her final role as office administrator after 26 years.

Olivia was deeply connected to her faith having been baptized early on at Friendship Baptist Church in Lincoln Heights. She would continue her journey with Christ in her chosen church home the Glendale Baptist Church under the direction of Rev Richard L Waldrop. Olivia instilled the values of the church in each of her children and made certain faith was the cornerstone that drove the direction of their lives.

Olivia’s determination and dogged perseverance paved the way for each of her children to become who they are today. Her life was a masterclass on survival, determination, and strength in the face of any and all opposition.

“To my loved ones I want to say it was fun while it lasted being your Big Cousin, Auntie, Big Sister, Grannie, Grandma and Mom, but my work here is done Darlings, I must leave you with many memories and don’t forget “I Do, I Do , I Do“ –Olivia.”

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