Betty Sarah O'Dell

Betty was born on September 25, 1928, in Newport, Tennessee, to the late Lucius C. & Sallie (Conway) Reese. Betty was also preceded in death by her husband, James. R. O’Dell on November 29, 1992, whom she married August 25, 1951; sisters, Janella Johnson, and Mary Kate Bradley; and brother, Robert H. Reese.

Betty is survived by her children, Karissa “Keech” McBride, Max C. O’Dell, Willa R. Kenward (husband Scott), and Wyetta D. O’Dell; 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren; sisters, Martha J. Lewis, Dinah R. Valentine, Esther Keel, and Doris Dennis; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Betty loved Jesus and she loved reading the Bible, having committed several Scriptures to memory. Among them, Psalm 91, Isaiah 53, Psalm 23, and the Aaronic blessing in Numbers 6:24-26. She also was a great singer and had the ability to hear and sing all the parts, soprano, alto, tenor and sometimes base. Betty was known for her beautiful smile to both friends and strangers. Her daughter Keech wrote: “A long life filled with laughter and love. Now Mom’s in Heaven on the wings of a dove. We’ll miss her smile so very much, but we’ll always remember her soft, loving touch.”

A celebration of Betty’s life will be held at 1:30 pm Friday, April 3, 2026, at Abbottsville United Methodist Church 4135 St. Rt. 49 Arcanum, with Pastor Tony Price officiating. Burial will follow in Abbottsville Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:30 pm at the church. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.zecharbailey.com for the O’Dell family.