Olive Taylor Riddick died Dec. 29, 2008, in Suffolk, Va. She was born on Aug. 6, 1923, to the late George Harrison Taylor and Katie Hoskins Taylor. She graduated from Gates Training High School in 1941. After moving to Suffolk she joined Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she was a Sunday School teacher and later assistant superintendent of the Sunday School Department.
Olive was a devoted member of the Household of Ruth No. 115 United Order of Odd Fellows, and a former Leader of the United Order of Tents, Zion Hill Tent No. 415, Gates, N.C. She volunteered her time at the voting polls and to the Hollywood Jericho Civic League.
Olive leaves to mourn, two children, Jacqueline R. Matthews, Suffolk, Va.; Larry E. Riddick, Norfolk, Va.; two grandchildren, Tia V. Riddick, Lynnwood, Wash.; and Dr. Melody Matthews, Richmond, Va.; three great-grandchildren, Alexis Cameron, Christopher Cameron and Christian Cameron, Lynnwood, Wash. One sister, Linie Briggs, Sunbury, N.C., two brother-in-laws, John Briggs, Sunbury, N.C.; Ralph Harvey, Gates, N.C.; three sister-in-laws, Mazerene Taylor, Suffolk, Va., Lessie Riddick and Elnora Riddick, Gates, N.C., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and devoted loving friends.
Ms. Riddick will be on view Friday, Jan. 2, 2009 from noon to 6 p.m. and wake service 6 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home. A celebration of life service will take place at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 3, 2009 at Metropolitan Baptist Church followed by interment at Meadowbrook Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, a monetary donation may be sent to the Hampton Roads Chapter of the Virginia Breast Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 3105 Portsmouth, VA 23701.