Olivia L. Hall Canaday was born December 17, 1935, in West Point, Virginia to the late Howard Leroy Hall and Fortune Claudette Vaughan Hall. She departed this life on Friday, May 19, 2023, at the age of 87.
Olivia attended the Historic Beverly Allen Colored School in West Point, Virginia. Her parents led the fight for school desegregation in the Town of West Point, Virginia. After graduation from King William County Schools, Olivia worked in the Housekeeping industry and later worked as a Nurses Aide at Dominion Village.
On March 31, 1972, Olivia married the love of her life, Levi Canaday. Olivia was affectionately called “Bootsie” by all who knew and loved her. She enjoyed spending time with her family and at church.
She joined New Zion Baptist Church in the 1990s and faithfully served her church as her health permitted. Olivia enjoyed singing and sang alto with the Senior Choir, Voices of Zion, the Women’s Day Choir, and the Mass Choir. She also enjoyed serving in the Hospitality Ministry and New Zion’s Missions Ministry.
Left to cherish her memories and legacy of love are her husband of fifty years, Levi Canaday; sister, Iris Stepney (William); foster sister, Carolyn Mack; foster brothers, Linwood Mack, Marcellus, and Maurice; sisters-in-law, Mavis Canaday and Audrey Brown; brother-in-law, Robert Canaday; niece, Katria Morris (Larry); nephews, Michael Hall, Marcus Stepney, Marcellus Stepney, and Maurice Stepney; and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and her New Zion Church Family.
A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Friday, May 26, 2023, at New Zion Baptist Church. Mrs. Canaday may be viewed on Friday beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of her service in the church. Facial coverings are recommended for all services.
