Olivia Paige Pounders, 21
March 13, 2002 – February 12, 2024
On March 13, 2002, the Lord blessed us with Olivia Paige Pounders and on the evening of February 12, 2024, at the age of 21, we graciously gave her back to the Lord who created her. She passed peacefully at home, with her mother and father, Brad and April and her brother, Cooper by her side and surrounded by multiple family and friends who waited in full support and love as they said goodbye.
Funeral Services honoring Olivia’s life will be at 2 PM, Thursday February 15, 2024, at Ripley Church of Christ with Bro. Johnny Burkhart, Bro. Donnie Debord, and Bro. Cody Hardin officiating. Visitation will be from 5 PM until 9 PM on Wednesday evening, February 14, 2024, at Ripley Church of Christ and will continue from 12 noon until service time on Thursday.
Born in Tupelo, Olivia is the daughter of Brad and April Holley Pounders. Starting kindergarten at North Pontotoc, Olivia transferred to Pine Grove School in the second grade. Pine Grove School and Community became a second home and in elementary school she loved cheering on the lady panthers, while watching her dad coach. She was very active and participated in many clubs and activities that included, playing softball, being involved in the Random Acts of Kindness Club, singing in the South Tippah School District Choir, a member of the Panthers Cheer Squad, and serving as a diamond girl for the Baseball team, she loved it all. After graduating in 2020, she was diagnosed in August with a very rare disease, Familial Encephalopathy with Neuroserpin Inclusion Bodies (FENIB).
Once she received her diagnosis, Olivia continued to stay active working with King Therapies in New Albany, helping care and assist children with disabilities. She had a big heart for kids and always told her mom that one day she was just going to adopt children. Church was very important, as she enjoyed being a part of “Lads to Leaders”, going on church trips and to church camps in the summer. Above all, Olivia’s favorite part of church was singing. She loved making a joyful noise to her Lord and singing her favorite hymns, which included “Mansion over the Hilltop” and “God’s Family”. Just a few months ago, when she wasn’t feeling well at church, her face lit up and she smiled so big as she listened to the congregation sing.
Family was most important to Olivia. She loved eating with her family, listening to music, and hanging out with her friends, especially her best friend, Lizzie. She cared for her family so much, always assuring them that everything would be okay. Her beautiful, adventurous, free spirited soul and infectious smile could light up a room. She had a great heart with a bright future and a gift that the world lost too soon. Until we see you again Olivia, we love you to the moon and back.
Those left to cherish her memories include her parents, Brad and April Holley Pounders, her brother, Cooper Pounders, her grandparents, Danny and Jan Holley, and Kenneth and Claudette Pounders, her great grandparents, Homer and Kay Wilson, her aunts and uncles, Lisa and Mickey Russell, Laura and Chris Coleman, Amy and Josh Moore, and Matt and Laken Holley, and a host of cousins, family, and friends.
She is preceded in death by her great grandparents, Dorthy and Sim Holley, Clyde and Ethel Russell, and Aldo and Lavada Pounders, and a great grandmother, Joyce Wilson.
The family would like to express a special thanks to Sharon Kay Pannell, Susan Yancey, Angel Riendeau, Lydia Mitchell, and Wanda Carper for their loving nature and gentle care shown to them and Olivia.
In leu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Pine Vale Childrens Home at 1872 Co Rd 700, Corinth, MS 38834, the Crossroads Ranch at 716 Airport Rd, Fulton, MS 38843, or Maywood Christian Camp, 700 Maywood Camp Rd, Hamilton, AL 35570.
Ripley Funeral Home invites you to share memories with the family.
Please follow the funeral home link above for further information, or to send online condolences or memorial gifts.
