Olive Mae Norman Pillow, of Rustburg, Virginia born on May 22, 1927 in New Hampshire went to rest eternally in the arms of Jesus on Saturday, April 6, 2024, in the comfort of her home surrounded by her family and love. She was a strong, stubborn, fiercely independent woman. Olive loved big band music, bird watching, plants, sports, reading and children. She worked as a telephone operator at Bell Atlantic, Central Accounting, and Rustburg Elementary Schools both in Campbell County Virginia, after retirement she volunteered at Lynchburg General Hospital. To quote her favorite man, “I’ve lived a life that’s full, I traveled each and every highway, but more than this, I did it my way. Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention, I did what I had to do, and saw it through without exemption. I planned each charted course, each careful step along the by way. But more, much more than this, I did it my way” (Frank Sinatra) The family would like to thank her daughter Avis for the endless hours she spent caring for and tending to all her needs the last 3 years. Along with all other family members that stepped in and helped, and a special thanks to Tabatha Minnick for the time she cared for her and thank you to Centra Hospice for the kindness and support they provided. She was preceded in death by her dad, Robert Hiram Norman; her mom, Avis Nettie Brooks Norman; her sister, Nettie Avis Norman Grant; her brother, Robert Hiram Norman, Jr.; her husband, James Paul Pillow, II; her son, James Paul Pillow, III; and her son in law, Morris Hodnett. She leaves behind her daughters, Mary Louise Hodnett, Avis Nettie Pillow, Tanya Renee Nixon (Russell Nixon); granddaughter, Lauren Nixon Marshall (Travis Marshall) (Levi, Mason, Elizabeth); grandson, Blake Nixon; granddaughter, Amaya Nixon (Tyler Garbee); grandson, Nicholas J. Pillow; adopted son, Roddy McDaniel; along with many other grandchildren; great-grandchildren; and great-great grandchildren; nieces and nephews. The family will accept visitors at her home on Thursday, April 11, 2024, during the hours of 6:00 p.m. – 8 p.m. There will be a private service to honor her by the family. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Dementia Society of America. Arrangements by Burch-Messier Funeral Home, Bedford, 540-586-7360.