Peggy Patricia Odum

Peggy Patricia Odum, 85, passed away on July 1, 2026, at her home in Kansas City, Missouri. She was born on March 30, 1941, in Alpine, Alabama, to the union of Robert Charles Stroud and Vada (Swain) Stroud.

Peggy grew up in Gallipolis, Ohio, Alpine, Alabama, and Chester, Pennsylvania. She began working for R.T.I and N.O.R.C. as a field investigator, where she worked for 35 years. She retired in 2018. Peggy was involved in the American Business Women's Association and the Women's Employment Network. She enjoyed bowling, helping others, gardening, fashion, decor, and life elevation. She was a mentor to many of those who knew her. She married Nathaniel Odum, Sr. in 1962, and to their union were two children, Nathaniel Odum, Jr., and Stacey Arnez Odum.

Peggy was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Charles and Vada Stroud; her siblings, Ralph Stroud, Promolia Smith, Barbara Stroud, Lonnie Stroud, and Nathaniel Odum, Sr.; grandsons, Patrick Dior Odum and D'Shad Dior Taylor; and son, Nathaniel Odum, Jr.

She is survived by her daughter, Stacey Arnez Odum, of Kansas City, Missouri; her sister, Madgaline Smith, of Chester, Pennsylvania; two cousins, Alvada McGriff, 93, of New Jersey, and Hattie Mae of Cleveland, Ohio; grandchildren, Nathaniel Odum III, Brittany N. Odum, and Dominick Jones; 7 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.

It’s such an honor to be able to celebrate the life of one of the wisest women I know. The epitome of elegance and class. Strength held no bounds when it came to you. You exuberated love among thousands, were a mom to so many, and I’m so grateful to be a part of your legacy. You have poured into us endlessly for decades, and your time to rest is finally here. With sorrow in our hearts today, your memory lives on forever. Peggy Brown, the baddest girl in town. We love you forever, Nana.

A Funeral Service will be held at Mt. Moriah, Newcomer & Freeman Funeral Home, 10507 Holmes Road, Kansas City, Missouri, at 11:30 AM on Saturday, July 18, 2026. A Visitation will take place the same morning, starting at 10:00 AM. Burial will follow at Mount Moriah Cemetery at 1 PM, and a Repass at 1:30 PM at the funeral home.