Olivia Troy Byrd

Olivia Rebecca Troy Byrd, 82, born in Norfolk, Virginia, passed away on December 6, 2025, in Jacksonville, Florida, just six days shy of her 83rd birthday. Born December 12, 1942, to Marian and Robert E. Troy, Olivia was a woman of fierce spirit, quick wit, and boundless love.
Raised in Portsmouth, she was educated in the Portsmouth City School System and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 1961. Olivia went on to work for the Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority, where she served her community with dedication and a no-nonsense attitude that earned her both respect and a few chuckles.
After retirement, Olivia moved to Jacksonville, Florida, to live with her daughter Andrea Byrd Brown, son-in-law Jerome Brown, and beloved granddaughter Chea Brown. She became a member of Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church, where she worshipped faithfully until her health declined.
Olivia was preceded in death by her parents, Marian and Robert E. Troy. She is survived by her daughter Andrea Byrd Brown, son-in-law Jerome Brown, granddaughter Chea Brown, and her loving sisters Grace Howey and Joyce Harris.
Olivia didn't need a fancy hat to make a statement-her words did that just fine. Known for her sharp tongue, quick comebacks, and a heart that held her family close, she was the kind of woman who could make you laugh, cry, and think-all in the same conversation. She lived life on her terms, with a sparkle in her eye and a comeback always at the ready.
She also delighted in life's simple pleasures-her love of silver, her ever-present Diet Coke, and her joy in cracking open crab legs at the table. These small joys reflected her larger spirit: savoring life, finding humor in the everyday, and sharing warmth with those around her.
Her legacy lives on in the strength, humor, and love she passed down to her family. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at Patterson Cremation and Funeral Service in Jacksonville, Florida on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Roosevelt Memorial Park in Chesapeake, Virginia on Wednesday, December 17, 2025.