Wilma Ellen Odom (Lebanon)'s Obituary
Wilma Ellen Odom, daughter of James Milan and Martha L. Thomas Massey, was born October 29, 1910, near Oakland, Missouri. She departed this life Thursday, April 19, 2012, in her son’s home, in Hallsville, Missouri, at the age of one hundred one years, five months, and twenty days.
On December 12, 1928, she was united in marriage to Paul Rook Odom, and they shared sixty years before his passing on April 11, 1988.
She was also preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Lelia Mae Ruble; two grandsons, Jeffrey Grant, and Donald Paul; six brothers, Louis Preston, Jessie James, Charles Elmer, Hubert Ray, Virgil Merle, and an infant; and six sisters, Artie Leona, Mary Frances, Essie Ethel, Iva Alice, Juverna Chloe, and Grace Pauline.
Wilma is survived by a daughter, Mary Ruth Agan, of Lebanon, Missouri; two sons, James Thomas Odom, and his wife, Marcia, of Hallsville, Missouri, and John Robert Odom, and his wife, Pat, of Richland, Missouri; eleven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; a number of nieces and nephews; as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
She was born and raised in the Oakland community, near Lebanon. She then lived with a brother in Oakland, Iowa, while she attended high school. She soon returned to Lebanon, and worked for a time at a downtown hotel. After she and Paul were married, they made their home in the Eldridge community, and lovingly raised their children. Throughout the years, Wilma was a devoted and hard working homemaker to her husband and family.
Wilma made her profession of faith in Christ early in her life and was a member of Zion Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for several years. She was a longtime active member of Second Baptist Church in Lebanon.
She greatly enjoyed making quilts, having made hundreds of them during the years, and gave many to Crosslines Ministries and the Pregnancy Support Center in Lebanon, as well as to her family and friends. While living in Harwood Manor, she planted and tended to the flower beds and grew many beautiful flowers for the residents to enjoy. She loved nature and liked taking walks in the woods. She was an excellent neighbor and was always willing to help others. She was also a wonderful caregiver to her family whenever someone was in need. She loved her family dearly and especially enjoyed all of her grandchildren.
Wilma was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, and aunt, and was a thoughtful and caring friend. We celebrate her long life and will cherish the wonderful memories she created for her family and friends through the years.
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