Deborah Kay Neal Odham

She is survived by her loving husband Samuel Jay Odham, her children Terena Diane Odham, Alicia Gay Jennings, spouse Robert “RL” Jennings, and Mark Elliot Odham and spouse Kimberly Odham; her grandchildren Amber Noel Feagins, Lacie Brooke Buchanan and spouse Timothy Buchanan, Mark Aaron Henley, and Holly Elizabeth Vicchio and spouse Jacob Vicchio; her great-grandchildren Miley and Kaylee Feagins, Milena, Asher and Liam Henley, Thomas and Mallory Vicchio, and Trevor Buchanan; two brothers Richard Neal and John Neal and wife Donna Neal, and two special nieces, Charity Pendleton and Maryann Lawson.

She was a woman who loved deeply, prayed faithfully, lived colorfully, laughed often, and never left anyone wondering where they stood with her.

Above all, she was absolutely crazy about her husband. He was her person, her partner, and the love of her life. The devotion she had for him was unmistakable, and the life they shared was one of her greatest treasures. She loved being his wife, and anyone who knew her knew just how much she adored him.

Her children and grandchildren were the heart of her world. She loved them immensely and showed that love in countless ways—through praying, helping, caring, celebrating, and, when necessary, giving a little bit of advice whether they had asked for it or not. She could be a little bossy, but that was simply part of who she was. She knew what she wanted, usually had a pretty good idea of how things ought to be done, and wasn’t afraid to say so. Those who loved her wouldn’t have had her any other way.

Her Christian faith was woven throughout her life. In her younger years, she taught Sunday school, sharing the faith that meant so much to her with others. Throughout her life, she was a prayer warrior. If someone she loved was hurting, struggling, sick, or simply needed guidance, she prayed. Her family could rest a little easier knowing that she was speaking their names to God.

She also had a natural gift for caring for people. Whenever someone in the family was sick, she became their nurse—checking on them, tending to them, and making sure they had what they needed, Taking care of the people she loved came naturally to her.

She was wonderfully creative and crafty, with an appreciation for all the beautiful things God placed in this world. She loved birds, flowers, and bright colors. She had a way of noticing beauty and bringing more of it into the lives and spaces around her. Her creativity was part of her personality—bright, expressive, thoughtful, and uniquely her own.

She was thoughtful of others and had a good sense of humor that brought laughter to those around her. She could make people smile, speak her mind, take care of everyone, and say a prayer—all with a personality that could never be duplicated.

Her family will miss the sound of her laughter, her prayers, her words of advice, and story telling. They will miss her creativity, her caring hands, her humor, and even those moments when she lovingly told everyone what they ought to be doing. They will miss the little things, too—the things that might seem ordinary to anyone else but will forever make them think of her: colorful flowers, birds outside the window, confetti cake, something handmade with love, and her bear hugs.

Most of all, they will miss the enormous love she carried for her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and the people fortunate enough to be part of her life.

She leaves behind more than memories. She leaves behind a legacy of faith, family, creativity, laughter, prayer, and a love that was never quiet or halfway.

And while those who loved her will feel her absence in countless little ways, they can find comfort in the faith she held so dearly—the promise that this goodbye is not forever.

“I love you a bushel, and a peck, a bushel and a peck, and a hug around the neck" - Mamaw

Visitation will be held at East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664, on August 19, 2026, from 5:30 pm to 6:45 pm, with the Funeral Service at East Lawn Funeral Home, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664, on August 19, 2026, at 7:00 pm.

Committal will take place at East Lawn Memorial Park, 4997 Memorial Blvd, Kingsport, TN 37664, on August 20, 2026, at 11:00 am in the Garden Gethsemane.

East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park is honored to serve the Odham family.