Olivia M Arrington

OLIVIA MCLEOD ARRINGTON, affectionately known as “Libby,” was born on August 23, 1951 to John Henry and Louise (Lesane) McLeod in Richmond, Virginia. She departed this life to be with the Lord on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 after a brief illness. Libby was the Great Grand-Niece of Mary McLeod Bethune and valued the importance of education. Following her studies at Forest Park Senior High School Libby attended both the Baltimore City Community College and Morgan State University. Libby loved helping people and decided to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, beginning her career at Rosewood State Hospital. After leaving Rosewood, Libby went on to work at various hospitals and home health care agencies in and around Baltimore City. She also worked at the Center for Addiction and Pregnancy mentoring young women. In the early 80s, when patients newly diagnosed with HIV were marginalized and placed in separated hospital units and nursing home facilities, Libby was one of the first medical professionals to volunteer and provide care for them. Libby felt it was important that every patient be treated with dignity and respect. After retiring from the medical field, in her later years she served as a Poll Judge in Baltimore City. Libby was a kind-hearted person. She loved planning family gatherings and cooking. One of her proudest moments was organizing a family trip to Cunningham Falls State Park to celebrate her 40th birthday. She paid for a charter bus to transport her entire family. It was important to her that no one was left behind. In addition to preparing meals for her family, Libby loved cooking for her neighbors and giving out popsicles and cold sodas to children in the neighborhood on hot summer days. She will be missed by her Poppleton Community Family. Libby met and married the love of her life, Charles Vernell Arrington on March 8, 1975. Bishop Clifford officiated the ceremony. They shared a special bond and had each other’s back no matter what until the Lord called Charles home on January 8, 2023. Libby loved to sing and she loved the Lord. She was a member of Greater Harvest Baptist Church under Rev. Earl Gilliard, where she attended until she became her husband’s full-time caretaker. Libby was preceded in death by her parents John and Louise, beloved husband Charles, grandson William Earl Streeter Jr., brother John Henry McLeod Jr. and sister Mary Alice McLeod-Outlaw. As we continue to celebrate Libby’s life, she leaves to cherish her beloved memory: daughter, Chantel Barksdale-Braddy; son, John Coleman Barksdale; daughter-in-law, Michelle; son-in-law, Edward; step-son, Charles Arrington Jr.; grandchildren, Chantel, India, Marcus, Omar, Montrell, Tyrone, Arriel, Michelle John Jr., Tywan, Lakaya, and Devin; twenty-eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter, Maliyah; special niece, Nadine; nephews, James Jr. and Marvel; and a host of other nieces, nephews and cousins.

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Olivia M Arrington

August 23, 1951 - August 15, 2023