This obituary was originally published on Rogers & Breece Funeral Home.
Florence Orion Olive passed away at her home on the morning of March 18, 2026, with her loving husband, caregivers, and Nurse Amber from Cape Fear Valley Hospice by her side.
Orion was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and was the youngest of three children. She spent her childhood playing outside with friends, from playing ball at General Lee Park to climbing trees, always the mischievous child. She graduated from Terry Sanford High School in 1972. She met the love of her life, Stephen, a few years later, and they wed in 1980.
After spending time in Alabama, Wyoming, California, Colorado, and Texas, they returned to Fayetteville, where she worked in sales. Stephen said, “She could sell a box of rocks to anyone,” and her charm and extroverted nature aided her success. In 1984, she gave birth to their son, Ruffin. She attended little league games and school plays and was always the proud mother.
One knew when Orion entered a room, as her charisma radiated from her. She never met a stranger and struck up conversations with people whether she knew them or soon would. She enjoyed spending time with family and friends, her mother’s cooking, steak cooked rare on the grill, and Famous Amos cookies. She was a member of the Fayetteville Area Shag Association for many years and enjoyed “cutting a rug.” She played Bunco monthly with friends. She loved Highland Presbyterian Church and spent time volunteering in various groups. She was ecstatic when Ruffin married Kara Denny in 2008 and soon thereafter became a doting grandmother to Kohen and Reagan, who lovingly called her GiGi.
She never cried when diagnosed with dementia and instead turned to God for support. She read the Bible daily while she could and listened to hymns and sermons, her faith never wavering.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William Sydney Olive and Alyce Pender Olive, and her sister, Jo Ann Olive Anderson. She is survived by her devoted husband of more than 45 years, Stephen Gaynos; her son, Ruffin Gaynos (Kara) of Wilmington; her grandchildren, Kohen and Reagan; her brother, William S. Jr. Olive (Joyce) of Phoenix, AZ; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family would like to thank all her dedicated caregivers over the years, Angelica, Michelle, Stephanie, Amina, and Elvira, along with Cape Fear Valley Hospice and Palliative Care and Highland Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Cape Fear Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, Highland Presbyterian Church, or the Dementia Society of America.