Olivia Tann Howard

Olivia Tann Howard, 67, died peacefully at her home on July 4, 2023. This was her late husband's favorite holiday, filled with food, family, and fireworks, so it is fitting that this was the day she was called home.
Olivia was born on August 31, 1955, in Chicago, IL, to Theresa & Alton Tann. She attended Wendell Phillips Academy High School, Job Corps, and Harold Washington College in Chicago, IL. Although Olivia had struggles with addiction early in her life, her life transformed in October 1990 when she was led to a 12-Step Program. This is also where she met the love of her life, Glenn Howard, whom she married on April 7, 1993, in Beloit, WI. They had a special love that was evident from everyone who knew them; Glenn enjoyed spoiling her, and she returned that love openly. Together, Olivia & Glenn raised three sons Wesley, Jackie, Obie, and a niece who was like a daughter, Raashee. Olivia loved her children unconditionally, and enjoyed spending time with and supporting her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Olivia spent the rest of her life in recovery and had a rewarding career helping others fight their addictions. In 2004, Olivia shared her story for a book "Listening to Olivia: Violence, Poverty, and Prostitution" by Jody Raphael. Olivia openly told her story in hopes to help other women see a future for themselves after addiction. She was employed as a human services advocate for various social service agencies in Chicago, IL until her retirement. After relocating to Beloit, WI, Olivia worked at Community Action and most recently at Riley's Adult Family Home LLC in Beloit. During her down time, Olivia loved spending time at the beach and pool, getting her nails done, shopping, traveling, cooking, or just hanging out with family and friends.
Olivia is survived by her children, Wesley (Madelyn), Jackie (Javelin), Obie; grandchildren, Nathaniel, Jackie, Mickyla, Mickey Jr, Daniel Glenn, Reeasha, Passion, Jashiya, Jordan, Koah, Eliezer, Arielle, Amber, Jason, Caden, Kennedy, Obie Jr., Royal, and Sir; nieces, Raashee Tann, Terese (Tim) Craig, and nephew Alton F. Tann; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Aleta) Howard, sisters-in-law, Darlene White, Ruelyn, Jan, and Corky Howard; extended family, Shawn "Gramp" Pleas and the Pleas family; and a host of great-nieces, nephews, sponsors, sponsees, and friends.
Olivia was preceded in death by her husband, parents, sisters, Alta and Tanya Tann; niece, Aleya Wofford, and many aunts and uncles.
A memorial service in celebration of Olivia's life will be announced at a later date. A special thank you to Daley Murphy Wisch & Associates Funeral Home and Crematorium for their assistance with homegoing and cremation services.