Olivia Dent

Olivia Dent born April 13, 1934 in Tallahassee, Florida transitioned to her eternal home on July 12, 2025.

Olivia was predeceased by her mother, Mary Lizzie Brown; Father, Mack Cooper; husband, LeRoy Dent; bother, Eugene; sisters, Jasie, Thelma, Leola and Rosa Lee; two daughters, Regina L. Dent and Brenda A. Dent; grandson, Barry Michael Davis Jr; granddaughters, Danelle Jones, and Tysshra R. Dent.

Olivia and LeRoy had eight children, Diane O. Dent, Gary L. Dent, Brenda A. Dent, Julie L. Dent, Tara D. Dent, Regina L. Dent, Kevin L. Dent (Jacqueline A. [Schasre] Dent), and Teresa K. (Dent) Williams (Clarence T. Williams)

Olivia is survived by her grandchildren Patrice Dent, Shawanda (Dent) Arnold (Maurice Arnold), Gary L Dent Jr (Zanea’ Dent), Latya (Dent) Blake , Bianca M. (Pellegrino) Harrington (Ryan Harrington), Nelson McNeil (Courtney [Osborne]McNeil) and Clarence T. Williams, and great grandchildren, Alexander C. Blake, Olivia N. Blake, Saiquan Thomas, Lee Thomas, Uniqua Dent, Ashanti Thomas, Madison O’Neil, Olivia Joy McNeil and twelve great, great grandchildren.

Olivia Dent retired from St. Ann’s Home/Heritage Care January 1, 1997, after 29 years of service. Olivia, an extraordinary nurse’s aide, led by example advising the young adult aides to treat the residents with dignity as they, too, would be old and need help one day. Olivia received multiple achievement awards during her career at St. Ann's. Olivia would have her children take the bus to the nursing home, on the weekends, to visit the residents. After retiring, Olivia worked another 11 years per diam. During Olivia’s off time, she would spend time with the residents at St. Ann’s and played bingo with them.

Olivia had countless close friends and opened her heart to everyone. She enjoyed being in the Word of God and relished her quiet time. Olivia’s quiet time also included crocheting.

One vivid memory Olivia’s children cherish most is their mom always having her red apron on and being in the kitchen. The kitchen was a favorite spot for Olivia because she enjoyed baking and cooking. The children remember vividly mom’s pies made from scratch especially her sweet potato and apple pies. Her children recall, “Mom made the best liver!” As Olivia’s children reminisced, special stories like her love for family pets, the autumn season, and music (Aretha Franklin, “Ain’t no way,” and favorite hymn, “Precious Lord” being on the top of the list) were among mom’s favorite things.

Olivia’s number one priority was being a mother and a wife. Truly, “Her children rise up and call her blessed” Proverbs 31:28-31.

Olivia was also known for being a “peacekeeper” which is yet another reason she is so cherished and respected by her family and friends. Olivia was quiet until she had something to say and when she spoke everyone listened because she was filled with words of wisdom. She lived outwardly the Fruits of the Spirit, love, joy, peace self-control, longsuffering, gentleness and kindness. She loved in action, and with words, while lending a hand and accepting everyone without conditions. Joy radiated from her spirit which was evident in her eyes, beautiful smile, and positive attitude. The peace that flowed from her brought a calmness and reassuring confidence as she trusted her Savior with complete faith. Self-control and longsuffering were evident as these qualities were reflected in daily choices to remain silent, move forward, and allow room for others to grow. She stood tall through the uncertainties of life. Olivia’s family and friends were showered with gentleness and kindness whether it be unexpected gifts, a helping hand, gentle words, or things done in secret (Matthew 6:2-4) without accolades.

Even during Olivia’s lengthy illness, visitors would sense her peaceful, loving, gentle spirit as she continued to be a witness for her Savior through the silence.

Every soul, especially her precious family has been touched as she lived a life reflecting the one who gives everyone the opportunity for eternal life.

Olivia was truly a special woman.

May the footprints that you leave find us faithful, Mom!

“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” 3 John 1:4

The Family will receive friends 9-11am Tuesday July 22, 2025, at New Comer Cremations and Funerals, 2636 Ridgeway Ave. (west of Long Pond Rd.) A funeral service will begin promptly at 11 am in the chapel of the funeral home following visitation. Interment Oakwood Cemetery, Penfield, NY.

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