On the evening of August 6, 2026, heaven opened its arms and welcomed our beloved mother, Olivia Irene Cheeks Hedgeman, into her eternal home with the Lord. Affectionately known as “Libby,” Olivia was born on April 9, 1937, in Howardsville, Virginia. Her life was a beautiful testament to faith, family, strength, service, and grace.

Early Life and Faith

Olivia was raised by her loving parents, Ruth Amos Jones and William Henry Jones. Her roots were planted deeply in the rich soil of Buckingham County, Virginia, where she grew up on a large family farm surrounded by hard work, laughter, love, and lasting memories. Alongside her siblings—Cora (George), James (Emma), Lena Pauline (Herbie), Lucy (Lindsey), Alease (Samuel), Samuel (Linda), Ruth (Harry), Catherine “Tootsie” (Holman), Herbert (Addie), Katie (Arthur), and Mary (Lawrence)—Olivia learned the values of perseverance, devotion, and family that guided her throughout her life. At an early age, Olivia joined Salem Baptist Church, a sacred place just a stone’s throw from her home. Salem was more than a church to her; it was a place of worship, fellowship, and belonging. She served faithfully as an usher and Sunday School teacher. She found joy in attending Wednesday Bible Study, keeping her heart anchored in faith.

Education, Career, and Return Home

Olivia was educated in the Buckingham County School System and attended The Carter G. Woodson School, where she met her dear lifelong friend, Kathleen “Shug” White. She also had a remarkable gift for sewing and crocheting, skills she learned from her mother. Over time, those gifts blossomed into amazing talents, and her hands became known throughout the community for their skill, care, and creativity. At just 18 years old, Olivia journeyed to New York to begin a new chapter in her life. With courage, determination, and faith, she built her own path through many roles, including work as a meat packer, telephone operator, teacher’s assistant, and later as a teacher with the New York City Department of Education. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Brooklyn College in New York, a meaningful accomplishment that reflected her dedication to learning and service. While in New York, she met William “Billy” Cheeks and they were married. They also had two wonderful children, William and Gia Cheeks. They raised them in Coney Island, Brooklyn. William Cheeks passed on June 22, 2002.After retiring from teaching in New York, Olivia returned home to Buckingham County, the place that had always held her heart. There, she continued pouring into young lives as a substitute teacher before fully retiring. She also remarried after returning home. She married Willard Hedgeman and they spent many years living together in Buckingham County. From their porch, she could look across the road at the cherished family home they cared for and maintained with devotion, preserving a place filled with history, love, and memories.

Community, Family, and Joys

Olivia was a respected elder in her community, admired for her energy, resilience, wisdom, and independent spirit. She loved walking with her sister-in-law Addie Jones. She found beauty in life’s simple blessings: the smell of fresh-cut grass, which she proudly mowed herself; the garden she tended with care; reading the Holy Scriptures, the pages of a good book; and the quiet challenge of word puzzles. She also found joy at the Buckingham Senior Center, sharing laughter and friendly games, and around the card table, playing Spades with her sister Mary, her nephew Kevin, his friend Lisa, and her niece Sheila. She loved traveling with her family to Orlando, Florida, creating memories that became a treasured part of her family’s story. To the very end, Olivia remained sharp in mind, quick in wit, and steady in spirit. Her presence brought comfort, laughter, and strength to those blessed to know and love her.

Lovingly Remembered

Olivia was welcomed into eternal rest by those who went before her, including her beloved late husbands, Willard Hedgeman and William Cheeks; her sisters, Cora Belton, Lena Pauline Allen, Lucy Randolph, Alease Harris, Ruth Harris, and Catherine Johnson; and her brothers, James Jones and Samuel Jones. She leaves behind a legacy of love to for her brother, Herbert Jones; her sisters, Katie Davidson and Mary Ayers; her children, William and Gia (Jackie) Cheeks; her grandson, Armand Cheeks; and many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. Olivia’s love, stories, laughter, and faith will remain as a guiding light in the hearts of all who knew her.