Odessa J. Samuel

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.