Mrs. Olivia Wilson

On Friday, July 4, 2025, God softly whispered for His servant to come and rest.
With grace, strength, and a legacy woven through decades of love and service,
Olivia Crawford Wilson peacefully transitioned from labor to reward.

Born in Sumter County, Georgia, on October 18, 1939, Olivia was the cherished
daughter of the late James and Christine Josey. She received her early education
through the Dougherty County School System and graduated from Monroe High
School in 1959. Determined and driven, she continued her education at Albany
State College, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.

Though business was her degree, beauty was her calling. With a God-given gift for
creativity and connection, Olivia pursued her license in Cosmetology and poured
her heart into perfecting her craft. After gaining experience in the field, she boldly
opened the Ebony Beauty Lounge, one of the largest Black-owned beauty salons in
Southwest Georgia. For over thirty years, Ebony was more than a salon; it was a
hub of transformation, sisterhood, and empowerment. Many young stylists launched
their careers under Olivia’s mentorship, and countless women found beauty,
confidence, and community within its walls. Always a student at heart, Olivia
traveled annually to beauty conventions, staying on the cutting edge of trends and
techniques. She later expanded Ebony into the region’s first full-service spa catering
to Black women, offering skincare, nail care, and brow enhancements.

Olivia accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age and lived her life as a
devoted woman of faith. She was a proud and faithful member of Shiloh Baptist
Church, where she served diligently as a Deaconess and member of the Echoes
Choir, until her health no longer allowed. Her worship was sincere, and her service,
selfless.

Her love for people extended far beyond the church or salon. Olivia believed in
community and sisterhood. She was an active member of several distinguished
organizations, including Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc., the Order of Eastern Star,
the Quettes, the Las Amigas Social Club, and the Albany Beauty Culture League.
Each affiliation spoke to her passion for leadership, service, and social enrichment.

To her family and friends, Olivia was a pillar. She gave freely of her wisdom, her
laughter, and her home. Her love language was cooking, and she expressed that love
through countless meals shared around her table. Sundays were sacred, often filled
with soul food and soul-stirring conversations. Her famous collard greens, warm
hospitality, and unforgettable gatherings became family traditions that will be
missed but never forgotten.

Olivia was married to W. Frank Wilson for twenty loving years. Together, they built
a blended family rooted in mutual respect, faith, and care.

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, James and Christine Josey, but
leaves behind a host of loved ones who will continue to celebrate her remarkable
life. She is survived by her devoted husband, W. Frank Wilson; her beloved
daughter, Nicole (Joseph) Crawford Smith of Americus, Georgia; two cherished
goddaughters, LaKisha (Stephen) Bruce and Latoya Grier, both of Albany, Georgia;
six step-children Anthony (Debra) Wilson and Michael (Cindy) Wilson both of
Augusta, Georgia, Parish Allen of Greenville, GA, Gustavus (Chevelle) Wilson of
Atlanta, Georgia, Suzette Johnson of Tampa, Florida and Wendy Pugh of
Washington, District of Columbia; five adored grandchildren Whitney (Durrell)
Clayton of Upper Marlboro, Maryland, Cierra (Tyrell) Burke of Chula Vista,
California, India Swiney of Albany, Georgia, Chevalier Coleman, Jr. of Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania and Xavier Wilson of Atlanta, Georgia; three nieces Deborah (Cedric)
Nether and Kelly Knight both of Albany, Georgia and Paula Smith of Philadelphia,
Pennsylvania; five nephews Marlon Smith of Lynchburg, Virginia, Neil Smith of
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dezmond Smith of Albany, Georgia, Devon Smith San
Diego, California and Torrey (Monique) Knight of Covington, Georgia; three
GodSisters Sylvia (Clay) Wright, Annie (Perry) Jones both of Albany, Georgia and
Robin (Reginald) Calhoun of Atlanta, Georgia; and a host of great-grandchildren,
god-sisters, cousins, extended family, and lifelong friends—including her devoted
companions Mildred Williams, Flora Robinson, and Emma Sanders all of Albany,
Georgia.

Olivia’s life was a tapestry of grace, generosity, and goodness. Her spirit will forever
live on in the lives she touched, the beauty she cultivated, and the love she freely
gave. She walked with purpose, spoke with conviction, and gave with her whole
heart. Though she is no longer with us physically, her legacy continues in every hairstyle, every family dinner, every gospel song, and every soul she uplifted.

 Please keep the family of  Mrs. Olivia Wilson  in your prayers as we reflect the Gracious Memories. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.litmanfuneralservice.com

Final Arrangements Entrusted to

J.L. Litman Memorial Funeral Service

1202 E Clark Albany, GA 31705

Tel: 1-229-430-8800

To send flowers to the family, please visit our floral store.