Mrs. Odessa Williams, 89, of Sanford, North Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 19, 2024, peacefully at her residence. 

Odessa Bryant Williams was born on July 15, 1935, to the late John and Letita Bryant. Odessa was married to her late husband, Fred Williams, Sr., for 64 years. Odessa retired from Carnes Corporation after 28 years of service. Odessa has a giving spirit and enjoys helping others. She was a long-time member of Mount Pisgah OFWB Church, where she served in many capacities, including President of the Mother’s Board, the Missionary Department, the Kitchen Committee, the Usher’s Board, and other auxiliaries where she was needed.

Odessa leaves her children behind to cherish her memories: Janice Sharpe (Larry), Rhonda Williams (Charles), Vanessa Warren (Kenneth), Dr. Sherri Williams Smith (Don), Fred Williams, Jr., and John Patrick Williams; her grandsons, Vincent Bland (Nelle), Edward Warren, Bryan Warren (Jaterra), Jason Moore, and Derrel Speed, her granddaughters, Sterling Smith, Selby Smith, and Roslyn Sharpe; she was blessed to be a great-grandmother to Skylar Claybrook, Kaizer Warren, Kyenndi Warren, King Bland, Nyree Bland and Chandler Speed; a sister, Fannie Headen; a brother, Charles
Bryant (Rebie); a sister-in-law, Mrs. Christine Williams; and a host of nieces and nephews to mourn her passing.

Her siblings preceded her death: Alphonzo Bryant, Ruth Patridge, Harold Pearson Sr., John Bryant Jr., Virginia McDougald, Elvelyn McKoy, Geneva McCorkle, and Ruby Brunson.

Odessa’s love for her family and friends cannot be understated. She enjoyed family gatherings, hosting holiday meals, and welcoming family and friends into her home on any day. It was well-known that he Sunday meals were a standard occurrence everyone who dropped by enjoyed. She loved the company and conversation those occasions produced. During her lifetime, Odessa had the opportunity to connect with some very special people in the community and at work. Sandra Washington, Annie Ruth McIver, Dorothy and James McIntyre, Linda Battle and James Douglass are a few people she cherished very profoundly in her heart, and she looked forward to speaking to her “phone buddy” Betty Jean Judd (especially on Sunday evenings).

Odessa loves sharing what she has with others and gardening was a joy for her. Through this joy of gardening, she was able to bring a little happiness to people in a small way, and this made her life more purposeful. God does not give us temporary gifts. His gifts last forever through the stories we share with each other and our memories!

Please keep the family and friends of Mrs. Odessa Williams in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Sanford, North Carolina.

Services
VIEWING: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM
FUNERAL SERVICE: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, 12:00 PM

BOTH held at Mt. Pisgah Lee Original Freewill Baptist Church, 2725 Mt Pisgah Church Rd, Sanford, NC 27332.