Pastor Olivia A. Foreman

The Living Epistle of Dr. Olivia Anderson Foreman 2 Corinthians 3:2-3 NKJV 2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read by all men; 3 clearly you are an epistle of Christ, ministered by us, written not with ink but by the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of flesh, that is, of the heart. Chapter 1 — In the Beginning Beatrice Olivia Anderson Foreman was born in Richmond, Virginia, on October 14, 1941. Olivia (as many called her), was the knee baby, seventh-born of eight children to the late Creade and Mabel Anderson. She was promoted to Glory on Labor Day, September 2, 2024, at age 82, just a month and a half shy of 83. She took the holiday literally when she officially ceased from her labor here on earth according to Hebrews 4:10 – New Living Translation – “For all who have entered into God’s rest have rested from their labors, just as God did after creating the world.” Chapter 2 — Childhood Olivia grew up in a large and loving family surrounded by many friends in the Carver area of Richmond. She was educated in the Richmond Public School system where she loved to play sports such as basketball. Olivia graduated from Maggie Walker High School in 1959. Libby (as her family fondly called her), spent many summers in the country in King William County, Virginia with her grandparents, aunts, and uncles. She would help with crops, feeding the chickens and doing other chores. She was an active, feisty child and teen as evident by her brothers who taught her how to fight! Libby gave her life to the Lord at an early age and was instrumental in bringing many of her family members to Christ. Chapter 3 — Domestic Life When the car she was riding in broke down on the way to church one day, Olivia met the love of her life. On June 25, 1960, Olivia married the man who came to her rescue, Dr. Steve Isaiah Foreman, of Petersburg, Virginia. They have been married for sixty-four blessed years. She bore five children and raised them in Church Hill and Glen Allen areas. She was in a Spirit-filled church most of her life. She also reared her children and grandchildren up in the Lord. She and her husband were called into ministry and pastored the Church of God and True Holiness. They later founded the Abundant Life Church of Christ in the early 1980s. Lady “O” (as she was affectionately called) was a Pastor’s wife for over fifty-three (53) years and Co-Pastor over thirty (30) years. She balanced her work life very well, working in ministry and taking care of her family and home. Most all of her five adult children, along with their spouses, her ten grandchildren and her great granddaughter love the Lord, and most are active in ministry. Olivia was very proud of her family. Chapter 4 — Hobbies & Skills Pastor Olivia loved to cook, bake, garden, sew, swim, fellowship, and travel. She was skilled in sewing and made curtains, pillows, outfits for her children, for herself, as well as tailoring her clothing. Her baking was highly desirable. She was well known for her rich fruit cakes with a growing list of recipients each year. Her cooking was creative and fun for all who gathered around her table. She was a wonderful host of family dinners, large parties, cookouts, and major events. Lady ‘O’ often opened her home to overnight guests for extended periods of time. Her home was the center of laughter, love, warmth, and joy. Chapter 5 — Education Lady ‘O’ received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Education from Virginia Commonwealth University. She also earned several Associate Degrees in Business Administration and Biblical Studies. With her education, she began the Abundant Life Christian Academy and served as the Executive Administrator of the Abundant Life Day Care. In December 2008, an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree was bestowed upon Pastor Olivia from Teamwork Bible College for her lifetime achievements, impactful ministry and being a lifelong student of the Bible. She shared what she learned and the good news of Jesus with her students, churches and everyone she met. Chapter 6 — Ministry God blessed Dr. Foreman with a vision in December 1995, to form a peer group consisting of Lady Pastors and Senior Pastor’s Wives. These women of God came together weaving a common thread of “caring and sharing” their experiences with the Lord and each other. Lady Olivia was the overseer of the Abundant Life Women’s Fellowship and Founder of the Power-Filled Women’s (PFW) Conference that was successfully in operation for over twenty-five years. Her ministry touched so many lives by helping women know their worth and finding where they fit in ministry. Her wise counsel encouraged and guided multitudes to fulfill their God-given destiny. She travelled abroad on mission trips to Africa and South America provoking change for the better everywhere she went. She made numerous life-long international friends. Her heart and love for people is genuine, which is evident by her big smile and church mother ‘rocking hugs’! Chapter 7 — Achievements Lady ‘O’ received numerous awards around the city for her work with women. She has been highlighted in the book entitled, “Radiance: Powerful Women of Virtue, Yesterday, Today and Forever” which told of her contributions in ministry worldwide and in the Metro-Richmond community. She was also nominated in 2008 for the Pine-Sol Powerful Difference Award. In 2015, she received the “Shero” award from CollabHERation of the Virginia Women’s Business Center. Pastor Olivia was a Christian educator, expressive speaker, writer, and woman of vision. God revealed His Word to her in dreams and visions. She was gifted in the area of dream interpretation. Dr. Lady ‘O’ utilized her many gifting, talents, and comedic styling in ministry as she dreamed prophetically, heard, and delivered fresh Word from the Lord at her home church, workshops, and conferences across the country and abroad. Chapter 8 — Author Being an avid student of the Word of God, Dr. Olivia put her revelation knowledge down on paper. She authored and published numerous books to include, The Genesis Series: Stop Blaming Eve, What Your Dreams Reveal About You, Gifts of the Spirit, Christian Living in the 21st Century and Spiritual Temperament and Personalities”. Her books were in high demand. Many of her books are still in use today by ministry leaders and churches across the world. She has also written and produced successful plays such as The Traveler, the Troll and Judgment. Chapter 9 — Legacy Lady ‘O’ was preceded in death by her parents: Creade & Mabel Anderson; In-Laws: Steve, Sr. & Roulette Foreman; all her siblings: Percy Lee Brown, Harold Anderson, Sr. (Maxine), Arthur Anderson, Sr., Bernice Anderson, Nancy Anderson, Clara Braye & Marjorie Johnson; her oldest daughter: Tonya F. Edgerton; her grandson: Ayden Foreman; her good friends: Rebecca Randolph (George) & Dorothy Brooks; many aunts, uncles, cousins and church family. Olivia leaves to cherish her memory and to act upon her impartation: Her Loving & Devoted Husband – Dr. Steve I. Foreman Her Children – Steve Foreman, III (Bonnie), Adrian Gary Foreman (LaTanya), Kimberly F. Smith (Otis) & Monique Folston (Ira) Son-in-Law – Isaac Edgerton Grandchildren – Joshua Edgerton (Alicia), Aaron Edgerton (Olivia), Matthew Edgerton, Timothy Edgerton, DeJon Moore, Kyler Smith, Olivia L. Foreman, Nyah Folston & Zoe Folston Great Granddaughter – Yara Camille Edgerton Brothers & Sister-in-Law – Levi Braye, Everette Johnson, Sr., Paul Foreman (Annette) & George Foreman (Brenda), Fern Anderson A host of Nieces, Nephews, Cousins & extended Family Devoted Adopted Daughters – Cornelia “Andie” Miles, Josephine Campbell, Ellen Tarver, & others Along with dedicated church family and friends Chapter 10 — The Conclusion of the Matter Lady O was a true Proverbs 31 woman! She was a true gem and a unique and treasured gift to her family, friends and to the body of Christ. She is the Designer’s Original POWER-FILLED WOMAN! Well done Dr. Olivia. Go get your crown. “A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones.” ~ Proverbs 17:22 “His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things. I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’ ~ Matthew 25:21

Tributes

Pastor Olivia A. Foreman

October 14, 1941 - September 2, 2024