Odessa was born in Shelby, Mississippi, to Evelyn Martin and John Wesley Reed and was the first of two children . Odessa graduated from Thomas Town High School in Tallulah, Louisiana in 1954 where was valedictorian of her class. She moved to Kansas City, Missouri in 1958 where she joined in marriage to Nathaniel Hayes in 1961. Together they raised 3 daughters.
She worked for several companies during her lifetime. But after receiving her degree in nursing, most enjoyed her job as an RN with Veteran Hospital of Kansas City.
Odessa was affectionately known as Nana. She enjoyed cruising around the world. And she especially liked shopping. She enjoyed a variety of music and dancing. She read a lot of different genres. But her most favorite thing was having her family come to her house at Holidays and always wanted to teach her children how to cook those southern dishes from scratch.
She was a member of Fellowship Baptist Church and then became a member of Palestine Baptist Church.
Odessa was an avid sports fan, and it really didn't matter the sports. She looked at track and field, curling, basketball, Olympic Games etc., but of course her all-time favorite were the CHIEFS!!! She was a season ticket holder for over 20 years and attended all home games no matter the weather, until health issues made that no longer possible.
Odessa leaves to rejoice her life and to celebrate her presence in their lives her sister Vallory Joyce Appleton-Nelson, Daughters- Cheryl Hayes Carson, Sharon Hayes, Joyce Hayes McRoy (Richard), step son- David Lamar (Christy) of Shreveport, Louisiana; grandchildren- Nia Franklin, Brian Carson (Barbara); Taylor Gordon, Adrian Carson, Phillip Thomas (Houston, Texas) , Rhe’ana McRoy (Houston, Texas) ; great grandchildren; Aubrianna Carson, Julian Carson, Ariah Carson, Rhagan Jones ; Rhue Simms; David Lamar Jr; Derrick Lamar; niece Andrea Michele Nelson Byrd (Kenneth); great niece Kristain De’anne Thatcher, and a host of family members and friends.
A visitation for Odessa will be held Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A celebration of life funeral service will occur Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131. A graveside service will occur Thursday, June 22, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 2:30 PM at Mount Moriah Cemetery South, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, MO 64131.
