SUNBURY – Emily Elizabeth Byrum O’Berry Oliver, 96, formerly of Sunbury, and more recently of Fredericksburg, VA, passed away on Thursday, May 12, 2016.

Mrs. Oliver was born in Gates County on October 24, 1919, and was the daughter of the late Milton H. and Inez Hofler Byrum. Retired from Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie after 23 years of employment, she was a member of Beulah Baptist Church in Sunbury where she had been active in the Adult Choir and the W.M.U., a member of the Gatesville Senior Citizens Club, and a charter member and Past Worthy Matron of Harrellsville Chapter #99, The Order of The Eastern Star.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by Ralph P. O’Berry, her husband of 43 years, and later by her second husband, Liddell Oliver; by her daughter, Barbara Jo Bock; and by her sister, Madeline H. McNatt.

Surviving are two grandchildren, Beth Bock of Cleveland, OH, and Billy Bock and wife Joni Starr of Minneapolis, MN; a brother-in-law, Dr. Walter O’Berry of Jacksonville, NC; two nephews, Milton McNatt and wife Trudy of Fredericksburg, VA and Dan McNatt and wife Donna of Winston-Salem; and a great-grandson, Hudson Gray Bock.

A graveside service will be held Friday, May 20, at 11:00 a.m. in Liberty Spring Christian Church Cemetery, 4213 Whaleyville Blvd., Suffolk, VA, and will be officiated by her pastor, The Rev. Tom Hall. Immediately following the graveside rites, the family will receive friends in the social hall of Beulah Baptist Church, 967 US Hwy 158 East, Sunbury.

In accordance with her wishes, flowers are to be omitted, and contributions in her memory be made to Beulah Baptist Church, P.O. Box 101, Sunbury, NC 27979

Miller Funeral Home, 304 Main Street, Gatesville, is handling arrangements and online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.millerfhc.com.