Odessa Mattie Eaves' Obituary
Odessa Eaves Obituary
Odessa Mattie Eaves was born in Fort Davis, Alabama on April 2, 1934, to William and Mattie Eaves, Sr. Fondly nicknamed "Sister", she was the youngest of her four siblings: William Jr., Dorothy, Nina, and Isaac.
Odessa accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. Founded by her parents, William and Mattie, she joined Divine Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church in 1955 and remained a lifelong member. Odessa loved to hear the choir sing her favorite songs and would often tape record the choir and listen to their music over and over. She was the first director of the "Sunbeam" Children's Choir at Divine Mercy Seat Missionary Baptist Church. Through prayer and example, she was instrumental in guiding her beloved husband Horace to become a member of Divine Mercy Seat, and to get baptized at the age of 60.
Odessa married her husband Horace at the age of 18 and remained his devoted wife for 65 years. Together they raised 5 children, and they were loving grandparents and great-grandparents as well. Odessa was truly a family-oriented person. When her children were young, she made sure that they could have lots of fun activities at home. She loved to see her kids as well as the neighborhood kids enjoying badminton, hopscotch, and swimming pool games. She even made popcorn and lemonade for them to sell at a backyard talent show.
Odessa was a chef-extraordinaire! For years, in addition to daily meals, she would whip up delicious Sunday dinners and holiday feasts without breaking a sweat. She loved beautiful linens and was very fond of her collection of music boxes and teapots. She also enjoyed crafts and taught her girls how to crochet, sew and embroider. She loved jigsaw puzzles, and she did the New York Times crossword every day - in ink!! Odessa loved music and dancing! She had a nice collection of 45s and she had rhythm! She was a "smooth" dancer, supervising school 'sock hops', and she even taught her nephew how to do the "mashed potatoes". Being taught early, "Sister" could drive anything on wheels... stick shifts, push buttons, pick-up trucks, you name it. She didn't travel much, but she was always interested in geography and world affairs.
Odessa was a woman of quiet strength and determination. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a spirit of generosity, and an everlasting belief in Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was a "true" wife and mother, and she left a wonderful legacy for those who knew and loved her!
We offer heartfelt thanks and appreciation to her awesome caretakers who provided tremendous comfort to Odessa and her family, Mrs. Doris, Ms. Cerita, and Ms. Dominque. And then there is... Ms. Mattie!!!! She was truly the 'captain of the ship', and the 'leader of the tribe'... our absolute constant source of care and support over the years. She was with Odessa for just over 7 years, initially as a companion and later as a complete caregiver. Mattie provided excellent care, great companionship, and ongoing love and kindness to our entire family.
Odessa leaves to mourn her loving children, Janet, Howard, Christine (Nolan), Glenn, and Pamela (Kevin); her very special granddaughter, Loreal; and her beautiful great-granddaughters: Lamari and Lialah. In addition to her attentive and devoted brother Isaac and sisters Dorothy and Nina, she will be remembered affectionately by a host of nieces, nephews, and family friends. We appreciate all the visits, calls, flowers, balloons, "Ensure", words of encouragement, and prayers over the years.
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