Olive Claire Hall Gwaltney

Olive Claire Hall Gwaltney, third in line of ten children born to Cleveland Lee and Eunice Britt Hall, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026 at the age of 98.5. Strikingly tall and always fashionable, Olive was known for her scrumptious pies, perfectly coordinated moves on the dance floor and infectious, youthful voice. She was a strong, independent woman, a devout Christian and a Baptist throughout most of her life.

She was a native of Smithfield and later lived in Newport News and Richmond. Olive worked at the Smithfield Telephone Company and later, as switchboard operator she was the “voice of Smithfield Packing” for many years. After moving to Richmond she worked as an executive secretary at Reynold’s Metals, from which she retired.

Olive loved her big family and as one of the oldest, was helpful in raising her younger siblings, particularly Eunice, Cherry and Rea. She often told stories of her siblings walking with her down the lane before daylight so that she could catch a ride to work. She became an excellent cook and her speciality was crafting delicious pies with towering meringues that looked just like a picture in a magazine.

Always immaculate in appearance, hair coiffed perfectly, clothes and accessories matching precisely, she prided herself on looking her best at all times. She loved ballroom dancing as well as her beloved French poodle Cricket, whose nails she painted to match her yellow bows. Known to be outspoken and opinionated, she dearly loved her family and made a point to know each one of her numerous nieces and nephews and all of their offspring, which in the Hall family is a lot.

In addition to her parents, Olive was predeceased by her first husband, Billy Gwaltney and her second husband, Wyatt Farmer; her sister Mary Hall Ristagno, and brother Cleveland Hall. She is survived by her sisters, Eunice Hall Appelman, Cherry Hall Keith and Elma Rea Hall; brothers, Earl T. Hall, Franklin E. Hall, Robert Hall and Phillip G. Hall; numerous nieces and nephews and many other relatives and friends.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, February 14, 2026 at Mill Swamp Baptist Church Cemetery. Little’s Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com