Odell Womack

Odell Womack was born January 8, 1935, in Denmark, Tennessee to the late James A. Womack and Roberta Carruthers Womack. He was the second oldest of eight children born to this union. Four of his siblings proceeded him in death. Odell accepted Christ at an early age and joined Cerro Gordo Baptist Church in Jackson, Tennessee.



Odell served in the Army during peace time and was honorably discharged in May 1955. Shortly after his discharged he moved to Cleveland and was employed at several businesses, including Anchor Rubber Company. He later was employed by Chrysler Motor Corporation from which he retired after 30 years of faithful employment. Following his retirement, he became highly active in the community.



He met the love of his life, Laura V. Tillman and on May 13, 1961 they were joined in Holy Matrimony. To this union one daughter Larissa Odeilya was born who is a current resident of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Odell felt the need to be with his loving wife and joined her as a member of Beth-El African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Prior to the birth of his “baby”, Odell and Laura would hit the road travelling. Even after Larissa’s birth the twosome became a threesome. They would drive across the United States seeing the sights. In fact, there are only three states (excluding Hawaii) that they never visited.



When the Emmett D. Foster Male Chorus was formed, Odell was right there as a founding member. Throughout the years singing with the choir, he was often taken to the “woodshed” (private lessons). He also served as the Treasurer. Odell was a principle volunteer driver for the church bus “Rolling for Jesus” that traveled throughout Ohio and Pennsylvania. He transported adult members to conferences, Check-Up Meetings, Fifth Sunday Fellowships, and the youth, especially the girls to various locations so that they could participate in liturgical dance opportunities.



Odell cared about the senior citizens in his community and would use his personal vehicle to take them to doctor appointments, grocery stores or any place there was a need. One of his favorite pastimes was gardening. He often shared the fruits of his labors with neighbors, friends, and the members of Beth-El.



Another pastime was to visit the sick. Odell was one of the entourages of Rev. Hawkins. The entourage included Jimmy Drake and the late Ellis Johnson. They always had a great time as they fellowshipped together and with the sick and shut in. Odell also was an active bowler and was on a bowling team. Oakwood Village has a community center and Odell was one of its frequent and popular attendees. He and his “select” friends participated in every trip offered to the citizens of the Village. He and his “select” friends were a close-knit group. He was devastated when one of the community center members died at home earlier last year.



Odell leaves to cherish his memory his devoted wife, Laura V; daughter Larissa Odeilya (Fort Lauderdale, Florida); two brothers, Lee and Henry both of Elgin, Illinois, one sister Barbara Jean (Albert) Snoody (Winfield, Illinois), and a host of nieces and nephews.