Mary Elizabeth "Libby" Odom

She was born on December 18, 1928, in Mobile, Alabama, the daughter of Frederick Yost and Bertha (Summers) Yost and sister to three beloved brothers: Fred Yost, Eldridge Yost and Herbert Yost. Libby was married to Gerald Stuart “Gerry” Odom, the love of her life, for over 50 years until his passing in 1997. They were the proud parents of one daughter, Maria Renee Odom (Robin Green).

Libby was an artist and educator. A classically trained singer with a beautiful soprano voice, at various times in her life, she was active in the Mobile Opera Guild, Birmingham Civic Opera, Birmingham Opera Guild, Birmingham Civic Chorus as well as Town & Gown Theater. She also served as choir soloist or choir director at churches in Mobile and Birmingham. Libby was proud to have earned her BA and MA in Education degrees from the University of Alabama. A dedicated educator, she taught piano, voice and music theory until her retirement sometime in the late 1980s.

Libby was active in her community serving as music therapist at the State School for Girls in Springville, Alabama in the 1950s and as a member of the Salvation Army Women's Auxiliary. She was an officer in Shades Valley Music Club and the Alabama Federation of Music Clubs where she established a scholarship for music students in 1999.

Libby loved her faith. She served in several Presbyterian churches in Birmingham as well as the regional Presbytery. She and Gerry were thrilled to be founding members of Riverchase Presbyterian Church in Hoover.

When Libby wasn’t busy performing and teaching music, she enjoyed gardening, reading and cooking, but mostly, she took great care of her loved ones and served God with her whole heart.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 23rd at 11:00 am (10:00 am visitation) at Johns-Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL. The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all the caregivers and staff at Mary Queen of Angels Assisted Living and Canterfield of Franklin Assisted Living and Memory Care in Nashville who provided incredible care, support and friendship.

Flowers (please no houseplants) can be sent to Johns-Ridout’s Valley Chapel, 1800 Oxmoor Road, Birmingham, AL, 35209. Memorial contributions can be made to Living River (livingriver.org) or Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org) or the Pat Summitt Foundation (patsummitt.org).