Pastor Mattie Bell Odom's Obituary
Pastor Mattie Williams Odom was born on October 16, 1932, in Bentonia, MS, to Mattie Lee Williams and Percy Anderson. She had three sisters, Bernice Stotts, Betty Williams, and Lucy Williams, as well as two brothers, Willie Ridgeway and Johnny Williams.
Mattie Williams Odom married Dan Odom and enjoyed a loving relationship. She was the devoted mother of eleven children, 28 grandchildren, and a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.
Although she did not follow formal education, she had a great desire to learn. Through her determination, she learned how to read by attending Bible classes with her children. This daily persistence truly blessed her, as she grew in her journey of learning to read and in her service to the Lord.
Pastor Odom grew up in Bentonia, MS. She worked as a chef at Ramada Inn and Holiday Inn for over 30 years until her retirement. Afterward, she pursued her spiritual journey to pastoralship at Bible Way Pentecostal Ministries in Belzonia, MS, where she preached for 30 years. She came out of the pulpit at the age of 89 due to health issues.
She was a faithful member of Straightway Ministries (Utica, MS) under the leadership of Pastor Letta Ford-Butler. Pastor Odom was a devoted mother and spiritual leader to her children, family, and community.
Nothing brought her more joy than declaring the Word and listening to her favorite artist, Lee Williams. Her favorite pastimes included tending to her plants, talking with her birds, watching her glow fish in the aquarium in her room, and cooking for her family and the church.
Mattie Odom was preceded in death by her husband, Dan Odom Sr.; her parents, Mattie Lee Williams and Percy Anderson; her sister, Bernice Stotts; her brothers, Willie Ridgeway; her son-in-laws, Vernon Taylor; and Irvin C. Walker.
She leaves to cherish her memories, her children Louis James Williams (Mary), Earnestine Whitehead, Charles Williams (Barbara), Ruthie Taylor, Melvin Williams (Priscilla), Dennis Williams (Sara), Darlene Walker, Marlene Williams, Gladys Phillips (James), Mary Ann Starks (Cole), Dan Odom Jr. (Jennifer) added daughter, Barbara Coleman; twenty eight grandchildren, a host of great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by devoted nieces, Bessie Lee Porter of Talulla, LA, and Mattie Lee Walker, nephews, Bob Ridgeway, Harvey Lee Williams, and Willie Ridgway Jr., as well as a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
What’s your fondest memory of Mattie?
What’s a lesson you learned from Mattie?
Share a story where Mattie's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Mattie you’ll never forget.
How did Mattie make you smile?
