Hilda Olivia Batchelor
Sept. 16, 2024
Hilda Olivia Robinson Batchelor, 99, of Russellville, Ala., passed away Sept. 16 at her residence.
She was born Dec. 06, 1924, to William Thomas Jefferson Robinson and Mary Elizabeth Williams Robinson in Lawrenceburg, Tenn. She graduated from Haleyville High School and continued her education at a business school in Nashville, Tenn. Her husband, Cecil, served in World War II. After the war was over, Cecil returned home to marry the love of his life, Miss Olivia Robinson. Cecil and Olivia moved to Russellville where they raised their two children, Rebecca and Greg, and where they’ve lived ever since.
Olivia was a devoted and faithful member of Russellville First Methodist Church where she and her husband, Cecil, served as youth directors in the 1940s and spent many years in service to the church. She was an entrepreneur, owning and managing several businesses alongside her husband, Cecil. She played a vital role in the success of their businesses. She served on the Board of CBS Banc-Corp as secretary for close to twenty years. Olivia was the first woman in Alabama to serve on the Grand Jury.
Olivia was a mother of the heart and a role model for many. Many people benefited from her years of wisdom, kind heart and generosity. She saw and experienced many things in her almost 100 years of life, and her favorite place to visit was Jackson Hole, Wyoming. She had a true servant’s heart, loving to help people. She created many works of art through her needlework, most of which she gave away. She was a wonderful cook and loved to share. She was especially known for her banana bread, pound cake and candies.
She had a green thumb and always had beautiful flowers year-round. She always had a soft spot for animals. She was a classy Southern lady who loved her family and friends dearly and leaves behind many wonderful memories.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 78 years, Cecil Batchelor; her father, William Thomas Jefferson Robinson; her mother, Mary Elizabeth Williams Robinson; her siblings, Martha Burleson, William Alton Robinson, Bretha Robinson, Mary Louise Stone, Rebecca Ann Robinson, William Thomas Jefferson Robinson, Jr. and Juanita Belcher.
Sheleavestocherishher memories, her daughter, Rebecca Batchelor Reeves and her husband, Brad; her son, Greg Batchelor and his wife, Donna; her grandson, John Bradley Batchelor Reeves and his wife, Alana; her grandson, John Gregory Mitchell Batchelor and Kelsee; her great-grandson, Rhett Bradley Reeves; her brother, Auveen Robinson; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends.
Visitation was held Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Russellville First Methodist Church. The funeral followed directly after, in the church, with Bro. Bo Lloyd officiating the service. She was entombed in the Franklin Memory Gardens Mausoleum.
The pallbearers were John Gregory Mitchell Batchelor, John Bradley Batchelor Reeves, Rhett Bradley Reeves, Tom Belcher, Mark Stone and Jon Robinson. The honorary pallbearers were Jeff Robinson, Mike Stone, David Scruggs, Dennis Upchurch, Lanny Norris and the Russellville First Methodist Church Ernest Workers Sunday School Class.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude for the outpouring of love and support they have received during this time. A special thank you to her caregivers, Deb Carr, Janice Saint and Denise Pounders for your excellent love and care of our mother. Also, we want to thank Dr. Stanley Keith Morrow, as well as Greta Boutwell and the staff of North Alabama Hospice for your excellent care.
The family has asked for anyone wishing to make a memorial in Mrs. Olivia’s memory to do so to Russellville First Methodist Church, 311 N. Jackson Avenue, Russellville, Ala. 35653.
Spry Memorial Chapel assisted the family. To leave condolences, call the funeral home or visit their website at sprymemorialchapel. com.
