Olivia Bernice Blackwell

Olivia Bernice Tyler was born on Friday, January 22, 1937, to Walter Harrison Tyler and Nellie Jones Tyler, in Harrington, Delaware. She departed this life on Friday, March 19, 2021, at the Westminster Village at Dover, in Dover, Delaware. Olivia was raised in a very strong Christian home. She was educated in the Capital School District and matriculated to Delaware State College, now Delaware State University, Dover, Delaware, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Health and Physical Education. Olivia married Alphonso Blackwell, Sr., and from that union, three children were born: YoLanda, Alphonso, Jr., and Shawn. The family made their home in Bridgeville, Delaware. Oliva was employed for over 40 years as a Physical Education Teacher at Colwyck Junior High School in New Castle County and William Henry High School in Dover, Delaware, and served as a volunteer at the Senior Center in Laurel, Delaware. She said that she retired to be a “volunteer”. She was a faithful member of Mt. Calvary United Methodist Church, where she loved to worship. She held many positions in the church and conference levels. She also had a passion for writing plays and skits for special holidays and sang with several choirs, including the Atmosphere of Praise Choir. She was a Lay Servant and the Lay Leader of Mt. Calvary, at the time of her passing. Olivia was initiated in 1958, into the Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and in 1988, was a charter member of the Sussex County Alumnae Chapter. Her matter-of-fact demeanor, coupled with her one-of-a-kind personality, evolved into a very humble spirit and lovingkindness for everyone. Her words of inspiration were, “Stay in love with God”. Olivia lived an impressive life of service, as a true Servant of God. If you think she had done it, rest-assured, she probably had. She didn’t live to be able to submit a resume’ to God of her earthly accomplishments, she lived to “live again”. You never saw Olivia without donning one of her many hats. She wore them well. Olivia was preceded in death by her parents and husband, as well as, sisters, Florence Tyler, Earlean Benson and Ann Tyler; three brothers, Leo Tyler, Allen Tyler and Raymond Tyler; and her mother-in-law, Nellie B. Rich. Olivia leaves to cherish her memory, her three children; siblings, Pauline Williams-Tyler, Vicky Polk, Geraldine Smith and Hazel Quarles; seven grandchildren; seven great grandchildren and expecting the first great-great grandchild, very soon. Olivia also leaves to mourn her loss, sisters-in-law, Teresa Rich Palmer and Dorothy Tyler, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family and sorority sisters.

Olivia Bernice Blackwell

January 22, 1937 - March 19, 2021