Olivia Weatherford Obituary

In Loving Memory of Olivia Ragan Weatherford

Born on March 12, 2014, in Chattanooga, TN, Olivia Ragan Weatherford, aged 9, peacefully passed away on September 12, 2023, at her residence in Cleveland, TN. She was a beloved daughter, a cherished sister, treasured granddaughter, and a bright young student.

Olivia, or "Liv" as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, is survived by her adoring parents, Aaron and Sarah Weatherford, who were her guiding lights throughout her life. She brought immense joy and happiness to her family, and her passing has left a void that cannot be filled.

Olivia's infectious laughter and warm smile touched the lives of all those who knew her. She had a passion for art and loved creating beautiful masterpieces. Her love for praise and worship music filled the room with joy and lifted the spirits of those around her. Olivia had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and cherished the time spent learning and making friends at Candies Creek Cherokee Elementary School, where she was a bright 4th-grade student. Her competitive gaming nature and love for a good laugh made for many exciting hours of cards and board games, and plenty of knock-knock and dad jokes.

Olivia's devotion to her younger siblings, Ella and Eli, was unwavering. She was their protective and loving older sister, always there to offer support and share in their laughter and adventures. Olivia's love for her family extended beyond her immediate household. She had a special bond with her grandparents, Theresa Calfee, and Bonnie and Roger Cass, who provided her with endless love and support.

She was preceded in death by her grandfathers: Roland Weatherford and Steve Calfee.

In her short life, Olivia brought immense joy, love, and strength to her extended family, including aunts and uncles: Susan Elliott, Amy (Scott) Criddle, Makenzie (Rafe) Williams, Randy (Danielle) Cass, and Richard Cass. Olivia shared a special bond with her cousins: Stephen (Sarah) Muhonen, Anna Muhonen, Callaway Elliott, Katelyn Criddle, Brian Criddle, Amarra Williams, Samuel Williams, Aryanna Williams, Trenton Cass, Lincoln Cass. She was also survived by many other aunts, uncles, and cousins. She will forever be remembered and missed by all who knew her.

Olivia's battle with Stage 4 High-Risk Neuroblastoma began in 2019, and she fought bravely for nearly 4.5 years. Her journey took her to the renowned St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Memorial Sloan Kettering, where she received extraordinary care and treatment. Olivia's resilience and courage were an inspiration to all who witnessed her fight against the disease.

To honor Olivia's memory, a Celebration of Life will be held at First Baptist Church Cleveland on Saturday, September 16, at 5 p.m. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects and celebrate the beautiful life of Olivia Ragan Weatherford during a visitation from noon until the 5 p.m. service on Saturday. She will be laid to rest on Sunday, September 17, at Hiwassee Memorial Gardens at 3 p.m. and a funeral procession will leave from First Baptist Church at 2:30 p.m. Visitors are welcome to wear their Liv shirts, or a gold ribbon to honor Olivia and the month of September as Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to be made to the Liv- In The Journey Foundation c/o Cleveland and Bradley County Community Foundation located at P.O. Box 4474 Cleveland, TN 37320-4474 or online at https://clevelandbradleyfoundation.org/home/liv-in-the-journey-foundation/

Donations made to the foundation will go to organizations who were instrumental and brought so much happiness to Olivia during her journey. It will also fulfill some dreams that Olivia had to spread joy and happiness to other families facing pediatric caner.

Olivia's time with us was far too short, but her impact on our lives will forever be immeasurable. As we mourn the loss of this precious little soul, let us remember the joy she brought, the love she shared, and the strength she displayed. Olivia will be forever missed but never forgotten.

Rest in peace, dear Olivia. May your spirit soar and your light shine eternally.