Cleveland honors Olivia Weatherford with celebration of life

CLEVELAND, Tenn. (WDEF) — The Cleveland community has been sincerely touched by one little girl’s battle with cancer.

Many have been impacted by her strength and resilience.

Nine-and-a-half-year-old Olivia Weatherford fought a hard battle with cancer for four and a half years.

She passed away on Tuesday, September 12. 

Surrounding communities have continued to support her and her family. 

People from across Cleveland and around the area turned social media feeds purple in support of Olivia.

She’s a warrior and a fighter. 

“Olivia is the essence of a warrior. She is the essence of a fighter. The way that she fought and the way that she battled for 4 and a half years, unbelievable, and especially at her age,” Steve Hartline with Mix 104.1 Radio/TV said.

First Baptist Church of Cleveland will be honoring her in a celebration of life on Saturday, September 16. 

Olivia’s father Aaron said that they are hoping the environment will bring smiles and stir up joy when possible. 

The family’s Facebook group, LIV in the Journey has given many people the chance to support Olivia throughout the years. 

“When Olivia was diagnosed with cancer four and a half years ago, they took us personally into their lives. And they were willing to be very open, to be very transparent. They brought literally tens of thousands, maybe hundreds of thousands, or more friends into their family,” Hartline said.

Mix 104.1 in Cleveland will be broadcasting Liv’s celebration of life so that many can join in to honor her. 

“Now’s the time, now is the next time that they really need our support. And I know the people will be there for them,” Hartline said.

The LIV in the Journey Foundation has been set up in Cleveland and Bradley counties to contribute.

Olivia’s message of living in the journey will continue to prevail. 

Cleveland and surrounding communities uplift her family in prayer and extend support.