Juanita Elizabeth Odom

Juanita Elizabeth Montgomery Odom was born to Howard and Jeanette Montgomery on October 28th, 1937 in Canton, Ohio. Jesus called her home on March 29th, 2017. She is survived by her three younger brothers; Howard (better known as Billy), Donald and Douglas, children; Wanda, Richard and Darren. Her husband, Bill and son Dwayne proceeded her in death. She is also survived by her 29 grandchildren and great grandchildren who loved her very much.

Juanita graduated from Phoenix Union High School. She met Bill Odom, who was stationed at Luke Air Force Base in Glendale, Arizona. They were married on February 28, 1955. They were together for 59 years before Bill passed away in 2014.

Juanita worked at Digital Corporation for over twenty years where she specialized in building computer components. She was an outstanding employee who received many top awards for her professional accomplishments.

She had a deep faith in God and attended the Sweetwater Church of the Valley. One of Juanita’s favorite books of the bible was Job. Job was a great model of what we should all do in the face of life’s storms and tragedies. Juanita emulated Job’s same qualities – loyalty, faith, patience, forgiveness and showing love to all. She would often tell her family to forgive, as God did for us. She loved to share her faith and would pray for and with her family. Her son Dwayne loved her unending faith, not only in the Lord, but in him also.

Juanita’s daughter, Wanda, recalls fun birthday dance parties her mom threw for her as a young girl. Wanda could choose her closest friends to come and then pick all the 45 records she and her friends could play. Juanita loved having the kids around the house! She made each holiday extra special! Easter baskets were filled as though it was Christmas, her children were dressed the best, and always taking pictures along the way to bookmark her precious family memories.

Her Grand Daughter, Heather, recalled one of her favorite memories of her Grandmother taking her for pictures where she would put her in the prettiest dresses, curling her hair and making her feel like a princesses. She loved sitting in the kitchen, having long talks with her grandmother when she would be doing dishes or cooking. Some the best memories were the simplest moments.

Kyl, Juanita’s grandson, had some favorite memories of his grandma cooking everyone biscuits and country gravy for breakfast and Lipton noodle soup for lunch. She would take all the kids out shopping, even though I’m sure we were all a handful. Holidays were always a huge deal to grandma. She always had to make a turkey and ham. She would always get each of the kids a huge bag of presents. She was the most compassionate, generous, non-judgmental and the strongest woman I know. I’ve always tried my hardest to adopt those qualities for myself.

Mary remembers fun trips to Pic-n-Save, stops at Jack in the Box drive thru on a hot summer’s day for Juanita’s favorite strawberry shakes. If it was a Friday, supper was BBQ sandwiches from Bill Johnsons. Juanita was an incredible woman - loving, caring and strong. I will miss her very much.

Juanita’s son, Darren, remembers a sweet day when his mom was very excited about him getting married. His mom helped him pick out wedding rings for his wife. Darren remembers going to church with his mom, the rides home, and getting treats at Dairy Queen. Some of the best times were just being with her and knowing she always had my back no matter what was happening in my life. My mom was the kindest hearted woman I know.

Her granddaughter Paige, remembers Christmas’s at grandmas. Going through family pictures and fun toys. She’d always have cookies or some kind of sweets for me and Toby to snack on while visiting with family. She loved to show us her doll collection and talk about them. I thought my grandma was so smart. She loved caring for her family.

Juanita will be remembered for her heart of gold and faithfulness. She was always giving back – getting presents for less fortunate neighbor children, helping someone pay their rent or bills and buying groceries. She endlessly loved her family, no matter what challenges life brought. Juanita always put herself last and her family first – she was a selfless wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who will be missed so dearly.

Arrangements under the direction of Funeraria Del Angel Greer-Wilson Chapel, Phoenix, Arizona.