Doris Cooper Odom

Doris Cooper Odom, 92, died peacefully at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007. She was born April 18, 1915, in Wilson to Artie and Nell Cooper and spent most of her life in Baton Rouge. Shortly after the birth of her second child in 1944, she became the principal breadwinner for an extended family that included her mother and disabled father. She worked for the state of Louisiana, starting as a typist and retiring as executive assistant to an elected official. She was fiercely independent throughout her life; at the time of her death she lived in her own apartment at St. James Place which she had purchased after the sale of her home. She was an accomplished seamstress, loved to read and followed all sports - especially those games involving her beloved LSU Tigers. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Artie Mae, who died in early childhood; and a brother, Bill Cooper. She recently lost her beloved cousin and best friend, Helen Dougherty. She is survived by her son, Michael Odom and his wife Sallie of New Orleans; her daughter and son-in-law, Ann and Edward Woods of San Antonio; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank Dr. Maurice Nasser for his many years of faithful and compassionate care. Those wishing to make a memorial contribution in her memory can do so to First Christian Church, 8484 Old Hammond Highway, Baton Rouge, LA 70809, or to a charity of your choice. There will be no formal funeral service. A brief memorial reception will be held at St. James Place on Saturday, Sept. 29, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Please contact Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., for any additional information.