Odessa Jewel Samuel was born on May 19, 1957, in Hobart, Oklahoma. On December 25, 2023, at the age of sixty-six (66), Odessa was peacefully called home to be with the Lord.
Odessa gave her life to the Lord and attended church at an early age. She loved the Lord, loved her family and she loved people. As a loving mother of 4 children, she especially adored the gift of her 3 granddaughters. She was a faithful and active member of Gospel Lighthouse Church where she served as a greeter, assisted in the church office, and served in the outreach and women’s ministries. She attended church regularly until her health began to decline. It was always good to see her smile and feel her warm embrace. She was a very caring and loving person who was willing to help anyone whenever she could. She graciously picked up people who needed a ride to and from church and had a sweet and humble spirit along with a big servant’s heart.
She received her primary and secondary education within the public school system. Throughout her career she worked with the special need’s population as a caretaker, a CNA, and a medical receptionist. In her most recent years, she became a truck driver after earning her CDL and was employed as a bus driver within the Columbus City School System.
Her favorite pastimes were fishing and bowling. She loved being out on the water catching fish and loved butterflies. She was an excellent cook and liked to shop. She was highly organized and kept things clean and in order within her own cleaning business and in her own home. She also loved working as well as traveling.
Odessa, a cherished mother, grandmother, and sister touched many people throughout her life’s journey. Her thoughtful and kind soul will never be forgotten, and her spirit will live on forever. She is predeceased by her mother, Ruby Mae Henry; her grandmother, Rosetta Brooks; and her sisters, Renee Smith, and Vanessa Hazard.
She leaves behind her loving, devoted Children, Wayne (Danielle) Carr, Los Angeles, CA; Evelyn Carr, Rockville, MD; Jonathan Samuel, Columbus, OH; Isaiah Samuel, Columbus, OH; Grandchildren, Olivia Carr, Riley Samuel, Isla Carr; Siblings, Vicky Smith, Lawton, OK; Shiela Smith, Lawton, OK; Thomas (Melissa) Smith, Granite, OK; Reba Price, Lawton, OK; Alphunce Lewis, Lawton, OK; Debbie Lewis, Austin, TX; LaRhonda Donnatien, Copperas Cove, TX, and a host of relatives and friends. Odessa will be deeply missed.
What an amazing person Odessa was and what a remarkable life she led and legacy she left. I feel very blessed for the part she played in my life and in the life of our Grandaughter Riley. I pray comfort and peace for your family at this time of your great loss. May her shining legacy live on in those whose lives she touched.
God is Good all the time,& all the time God is Good!!!
Even in Death , God is Good, To Odessa’s Family
Be Encouraged God is always with You All
I’m a Co-Worker from Columbus City Schools (Bus Driver) Odessa was a kind, & Sweet person , We would have our little chats while walking to the bus , to go out on our routes, I Loved Odessa’s voice, She had a little Southern sound to her talk! She was my youngest Child’s Bus Driver, I was very Saddened to hear she had left, NO MORE PAIN, To absent in the body is to be Present with the Lord, Odessa got a great Christmas Gift! Family you are in my Prayers
My dear friend Odessa, I will miss your kindness and friendship… God prepared you for your time to live with peace and love.
I hope your children will live on with your memory and are brought blessings throughout, you were an amazing mother to them and an amazing person to all those you encountered.
Thank you for coming into my life and welcoming me with open arms, you will be missed.
Odessa was such a shining light. She was a dedicated and loving mother and person. May God Bless her family. Look to God for strength for she is surely in the arms of Jesus.
Meeting my sister was a blessing for me. Our talks over the phone will be cherished and remembered forever. Your love, kindness and legacy will continue on through your children and grandchildren. Though I wish you were still here if gives me peace knowing you’re no longer in pain and you’re with our Heavenly Father. Now you can rest my sister.
May the Lord comfort your heart as only He can Because she’s a angel watching over you now
Odessa was my work sister. We bowled together and hung out on weekends. Me Odessa and Belinda was the golden girls
We lost a special person and that left a hole in my heart. I miss my sis and I will keep your love near.
Love you
Odessa you sure will be miss. Glad I got too talk to you over the summer. My ❤ is hurting when I heard the news he have another great angel RIP my friend until we meet again.
Rest in peace. Will be missed
My sister Odessa is the most angelic angel of angels. My best friend’s body has perished, but Odessa’s spirit will live on forever. Dessa save a seat for me you were my best inspiration. GOD knows he has a true ANGEL. Please watch over me.
Your baby sis Reba!!!!
Ms. Odessa was a rare individual, who truly exuded the love of Jesus through her very pores. And she put that love into action all around her. We lost a family treasure.