Edna Mae Odom

 

Edna Mae (Steward) Odom passed away Sunday morning, January 30, 2022 - just 79 days short of her 100th birthday. She was born April 19, 1922, in Shawnee, OK to Wallace Waterson Steward and Daisy May Abrams. She was the oldest of 10 children.

 After her mother passed away, Edna had to balance helping her father with the farm and the care of her younger siblings. She spent her young adult life as one of the famous Rosie the Riveters, working in the nose of the planes at Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City during the height of WWII.   It was on the bus rides between Shawnee and Oklahoma City where she met her eventual husband James “Red” Odom. They married in 1945 and began their family in 1946, with the birth of their oldest son. Over the next 17 years, their family would grow to nine children.

 Edna and James relocated to Poteau, OK in the early 60’s. Edna worked many of their early years for Holton’s grocery store while James had several jobs before they both ended their working years owning a dairy. It is at the dairy where most of the grandchildren fondly recalled their formative years beside their grandparents.   

Beginning in 1969, Edna and James welcomed their first grandchild Amanda (Bozarth) Siemering. In total, they had 17 grandchildren with more great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren being added yearly!   

As of her passing, Edna was blessed to still have three of her siblings, nine children, 16 of 17 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. In reflecting on her family, Edna said, “All my kids are honest, and if people want good workers, they’ll hire them.”

 Edna was preceded in death by her parents; six of her nine siblings; husband James Odom; granddaughter Kerri Odom; sons-in-law Gene Duncan and Lenn Darnell; and daughter-in-law Sue Odom.

 Survivors include:

 Two brothers: Wayne Steward and partner Gloria; Jim Steward & wife Laqueda.

 Sister: Bessie Belcher.

 Sisters-in-law: Betty Zuker: Rosalea Odom

 Nine children:

Ronnie Odom; Sharon Bozarth & husband Pat; Glenda Duncan; Steve Odom & wife Susan; Gary Odom & wife Connie; Connie Woodson & husband Bobby; Barbara Darnell; Curtis Odom & wife Missy; and, Brenda Murray.

 Sixteen grandchildren: Amanda Siemering; Jovonna Fields & husband Paul; Kelley Myers & husband Steve; Niki Stacy and partner Cliff; Danny Darnell, Christy Woodson & wife Renee; Wesley Odom & wife Kacy; Greg Tarpley & wife Keri; Kevin Duncan & wife Casey; Melody Darnell; Jessica Berry & husband Scotty; Rodney Darnell; Lindsay Wann & husband Cody; Bradlee Odom & wife Precious; Sam Williams & fiancée Alex; and, Katie Marshall & husband James.Other survivors include her great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews and  other family members.

 Edna’s final words of wisdom: “Always be honest. It’s the best thing yet.”

 Services will Be 10 am, Wednesday, February 2, 2022 at Evans Chapel of Memories, Poteau with Danny Darnell and Jim Cook officiating.  Burial will follow at Vaughn Cemetery, Gilmore.