Ms. Olivia Barrett Hemby

Inside the beautiful gates, where my blessed Savior awaits. I’ll tell the blessed story of how I come from earth to glory, just inside the beautiful gates. Olivia Barrett Hemby was born on May 15, 1937 to the late Simon Barrett, Sr. and the late Blanche Scarborough Barrett in Pitt County, NC. She departed this life on Saturday, April 17, 2021. Olivia was reared and attended school around the Ballard Cross Community of Bell Arthur in Pitt County, NC. Olivia met and married the love of her life Mr. Prince Edward Hemby on August 17, 1973. To this union three daughters were born Carrie, Annette, and Erica. Olivia was employed with the Riggs House Café for several years. She later became employed with Field Crest Mills Company now known as Mohawk Company. Olivia was a dedicated employee with thirty-two years of service prior to retirement and the closure of Mohawk Company. After retirement Olivia enjoyed life to the fullest attending church functions and serving the Lord. She loved cooking and caring for family members, church members, friends, and even people she did not know. Olivia always had a positive word and scripture. Olivia always attended church as a child growing up in the Bell Arthur Community, she and her family frequently attended Warren Chapel UAFWB Church. As an adult she relocated to Greenville and joined Mount Calvary FWB Church. Olivia moved her membership as a charter member of Progressive Free Will Baptist Church under the leadership of Bishop Tommie L. Davis. Olivia served on the Usher Board and later concentrated as a Mother under the leadership of her pastor Bishop T.L. Davis. She worked and served faithfully as long as her health permitted. Olivia was preceded in death by the love of her life, her husband, Prince Edward Hemby; sons, Kenneth Crandall, Johnny Crandall, Bobby Lee Shepard; sisters, Gladys Barrett Thomas, Myrahnie Barrett Carmon; son-n-law, William Bennett. Olivia leaves to cherish her loving memory, three daughters, Carrie Atkinson (Stephen), Annette Bennett both of Greenville, NC, Erica Hemby of Grifton, NC; sons, Micheal Crandall of Baltimore, MD; Melvin Brown (Evon) of Harlem, NY; daughter-n-law, Helena Shepard of Greenville, NC; brother, Simon Barrett (Catherine); sister, Alice Barrett Hawkins both of Cincinnati, OH; five granddaughters, Nykizza Hemby, Chambria Lowe, Christin Hemby and Bridgett Vines all of Greenville, NC; five grandsons, Joshua Hemby, Adam Shepard both of Greenville, NC, Russell Vines of Durham, NC, Zack Brown, Deion Vines both of Harlem, NY; two great granddaughters, Nyja Hemby and Faith Lowe both of Greenville, NC; two great grandson, Jashawn Lowe and Tyleek Hemby both of Greenville, NC; five God-daughters, Barbara Taft, Peggy Taft, Tekor Daniels all of Greenville, NC and Greta Cherry of Washington, DC, Charlene King of Raleigh, NC; three God-sons, James Tyson (Doris) of Winterville, NC, Thomas Daniels (Patty) and Bobby “Bob Wayne” Wiggins both of Greenville, NC; special cousin, Zeddie Hardy Wilkins; special nephew, Roy Barrett (Jacquelyn) both of Greenville, NC; five special nieces, Angela Carmon of Durham, NC, Clarice Hampton (LaMont) of Southfield, MI, Barbara Barrett of Greenville, NC, Michelle Renee Norflee (Victor) and Pamela Hawkins both of Cincinnati, OH; four nephews, Dana Hawkins, Curtis Hawkins (Karen), LaMonte Holt (Nicole) all of Cincinnati, OH; special and devoted friends, Mr. & Mrs. Willie Barnes, Andranette Waller, Carolyn Pridgen, Cynthia Williams, Ms. Laura Gibbs, Mother Carrie Moore, Mother Ruby Taylor and Robin Dozer; a host of other relatives and friends.

Tributes

Ms. Olivia Barrett Hemby

May 15, 1937 - April 17, 2021