Sharon O'Dell (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Lela Sharon O’Dell, daughter of James Leonard and Alma Elizabeth Holman O’Dell, was born October 22, 1942, in Lebanon, Missouri. She departed this life Friday, June 21, 2013, in her home, in Lebanon, Missouri, at the age of seventy years, seven months, and twenty-nine days.
Her parents preceded her in death.
Sharon is survived by three brothers, Dr. Edward O’Dell, and his wife, Evelyn, of La Porte, Indiana, Lynn O’Dell, and his wife, Cathy, of Kansas City, Missouri, and Dr. Stanley O’Dell, of Fairbanks, Alaska; four sisters, Elizabeth O’Dell, of Lebanon, Missouri, Dr. Alice O’Dell, of St. Charles, Missouri, Patricia Lundquist, and her husband, William, of Deerfield, Illinois, and Marlene Harmon, and her husband, J.L., of Marshfield, Missouri; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in Lebanon, Missouri, and graduated from Lebanon High School. She continued her education at Washington University for one year, and then earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Central Methodist College, in Fayette, Missouri. While at CMC, she sang in the A Cappella Choir for four years and also served as the choir accompanist. She later studied art at Southwest Missouri State University. She taught both art and music in the elementary schools in Lebanon for a number of years, and then retired from Joel E. Barber School. She had a great love for children and enjoyed teaching.
Sharon was raised in the First United Methodist Church of Lebanon and became a member there early in her life. She served as the church organist for many years, and had also taught in Vacation Bible School. Her church was always the center of her life.
She was very concerned about the environment and the use of our natural resources. She was a fan of P.B.S. television and the St. Louis Cardinal Baseball Team. She also liked going to all types of concerts. She had a great affection for animals and had several pets throughout the years. Her family was very dear to her and she especially enjoyed her nieces and nephews.
Sharon was a loving sister, and aunt, and was a caring neighbor and friend. We celebrate her life and know that her family and friends will cherish the wonderful memories she created for them during her lifetime.
Memorial donations may be made to the First United Methodist Church or the Lebanon Humane Society, and left at the funeral home.
What’s your fondest memory of Sharon?
What’s a lesson you learned from Sharon?
Share a story where Sharon's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Sharon you’ll never forget.
How did Sharon make you smile?
