JoEllen Odom

Sept. 25, 1937 - Jan. 19, 2022

A celebration of life service for JoEllen Odom, 84, was held at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 22, 2022, at Riverwood Family Funeral Services in Brookhaven.

Interment followed in Riverwood Memorial Park.

Visitation was held from 10 a.m., until the time of service on Saturday, Jan. 22 at Riverwood Family Funeral Services.

She was born to Charles Homer Harrison Sr. and Willie Greer Harrison on Sept. 25, 1937, in Smackover, Ark, and went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.

She married the love of her life, Charlie R. Odom Jr., and they were married for more than 68 years.

His impeccable love and devotion to her is evident in the dedicated care he provided for her in the recent years.

Mrs. Odom’s legacy included six daughters, 17 grandchildren, and 19 great-grandchildren.

Her family thanked the many people who have loved Mrs. Odom so well for many years.

A special thank you to the nurses and CNAs of Hospice Ministries Inc, and Chaplain Rick Munn for the tremendous love and care they provided in the most recent days of her life.

Mrs. Odom’s greatest accomplishment was passing along her faith to others. She loved Jesus Christ and would share her faith in Him in many ways.

She was actively involved in her church and teaching children about Jesus through avenues like Discipleship Training or Training Union for many years.

While her roles of service in the church changed through the years, her dedication was unwavering.

For 28 years, she worked as a nurse at the Ocean Springs Nursing Center where she embraced her patients and loved them like her own family.

Along with passing on her faith, she passed along a love for the simple things in life.

She was remarkable in the kitchen where she enjoyed cooking and baking.

Her homemade biscuits and divinity were unparalleled.

She found tremendous joy in sewing and making flower arrangements.

Along with her ability to cook and sew, she enjoyed gardening and had a green thumb.

It was often said, “she could make anything grow.”

While the family mourns the fact Mrs. Odom is no longer physically with them, they graciously rejoice in the reality she is completely healed in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Mrs. Odom was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Charles Homer Harrison Jr., and Donald Harrison; her grandson, Daniel Bradley; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charlie R. Odom Sr., and Helen Louise Odom; and her brothers-in-law, John David Odom and Sidney Earl Odom.

She is survived by her husband; six daughters, Tammy Mims (Tom) of Biloxi, Penny Bradley (Donnie) of Navarre, Fla., Kathy Barker (Greg) of Madison, Cindy Henry (Jimmy) of Fulton, Debby McMillan (Bo) of McCall Creek, and Christy Cockrell (Shane) of Navarre, Fla.; her two sisters, Doris Finley (Frank), and Janie Hudson (Mike); her sister-in-law, Helon Thomas (L.C.); 16 grandchildren; and 19 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 4915 New Hope Road, Meadville, MS 39653.

Pallbearers included: Tom Mims, Donnie Bradley, Greg Barker, Jimmy Henry, Bo McMillan and Shane Cockrell.

Online condolences can be shared and a full obituary viewed at www.riverwoodfamily.com.

Riverwood Family Funeral Services of Brookhaven was in charge of arrangements.