Beryl Toups Odom

Beryl Ann Toups Odom, 74, of Gadsden, Ala., entered eternal life on Friday, February 17, 2023. Her spirit is carried on by three children, three grandchildren, two siblings, and an extended family of relations and friends from around the world, all of whom were touched by Beryl’s life of service, education, and faith.

She is survived by a loving family: children, Laura Odom O’Bryant (Codey), Gadsden, Ala., Rachel Odom Pierce (Isaac), Gadsden, Ala., and David Lawrence Odom (Caitlin), Raleigh, N.C.; siblings, Bonnie Toups Boudreax, Houma, La., and Alfred J. Toups, Baton Rouge, La.; sisters-in-law, Diane Odom Lamkin, Ellijay, Ga., and Patricia Odom White, Ellijay, Ga.; and mother-in-law, Jeanette Powell Noblitt, Ellijay, Ga. Beryl was also godmother to Molly and Philip and “Gabby” to three granddaughters, Kambrie, Harper Rae, and Rebecca.

Beryl is reunited with her husband and favorite travel companion, Ronald David Odom, and is predeceased by her parents, Alfred J. Toups, Sr., and Alice Rae Daigle Toups.

Beryl was born April 17, 1948, in Houma, La., where her passion for academic and social involvement developed early. She attended Houma Central Catholic High School, graduating as valedictorian in 1966. She was involved in a number of organizations, served as the editor-in-chief of the yearbook, and was voted Most Intelligent and Winter Formal Queen by her classmates. She attended Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, La., on scholarship, and graduated magna cum laude with a degree in English literature before earning her master’s from Louisiana State University in the same area.

After school, Beryl combined her love of teaching and travel and moved overseas in 1973 to work as an English instructor at American College of Aberdeen. By chance, she met Ron Odom, a fellow teacher and travel enthusiast, at JFK International Airport in New York. The two married in 1980 and settled in Gadsden, where they both taught school while raising three children, Laura, Rachel, and David.

In 1982, Beryl began a 27-year career at Gadsden State Community College, where she taught English, chaired a number of key committees and boards, and served as Coordinator for the Office of Civic Engagement. She founded the Service Learning program in 2001, which encourages student civic involvement through volunteer work in the community.

Beryl was actively involved in many civic organizations, including YMCA, Etowah County Council for Domestic Violence, United Way, Habitat of Humanity, the Safe Haven Project, and Carver Oral History Project. She also served as president and vice-president of Altrusa International, District Four, where she chaired a number of committees and enjoyed being “head chef” at antique shows.

In 2007, Beryl was recognized by the State House of Representatives with Resolution HIR510, a commendation that celebrated her exceptional record of achievement.

Beryl’s spirit was as vibrant as her career. She was a devoted Catholic and longtime member of St. James Catholic Church, where, as a gifted vocalist, she was a featured soprano for the church choir. Beryl was an exceptional gourmet cook who loved to entertain, especially at the family’s home on Walnut Street. An avid reader and talented writer, she was well known for her love of literature and language, and never missed an opportunity to pen a note for a loved one. In addition to being the best mom, she was also the best friend.

Beryl’s family extends a special thank you to Dr. McGwier, Dr. Castillo and the staff at Hematology & Oncology Associates of Alabama, Dr. Warren and the staff at Amedisys Hospice, and the nurses on the eighth floor at Gadsden Regional Medical Center.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Beryl’s life Thursday, February 23, at St. James Catholic Church in Gadsden, where a memorial service will begin at 11:00, followed by Mass at 1:00.

In lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to St. James Catholic School, 700 Albert Rains Blvd, Gadsden, Alabama 35901.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.collier-butler.com for the Odom family.