Marillyn Odum

Marillyn K. “Bitsy” Odum died Wednesday, February 9, 2011. On June 15, 1938 she was born to parents Helen and John Kirkpatrick in San Angelo. Marillyn is survived by her husband Arthur and sons John Arthur and Christopher Digges Odum. Surviving siblings are Jack and wife Kay; Charles and wife Gail and daughter Melody; Nan and son Kirk and Dr. Dan Kirkpatrick and son Cade. Close friends as well as relatives, are Sudy and H.G. Bedford and Lisa and Lourcey Sams and Elizabeth and Harry Wright and their extended families. Also, Gene and Beverly Bedford Drummond and their children and many other friends and associates too numerous to list. Marillyn suffered almost her entire life from debilitating rheumatoid arthritis but refused to allow the chronic disease to become the central focus of her life. Her indomitable spirit, courage and determination permitted her to live a full and rewarding life as a wife, mother, professional educator and supportive friend to many. During her husband’s career as a Foreign Service Officer, Marillyn accompanied him to diplomatic assignments in Moscow, London, Maracaibo and Washington, D.C. In most of these postings, she was able to teach while assisting her husband in his diplomatic duties, raising her young children and running a household, sometimes in a foreign setting. Marillyn excelled in educational leadership during her long professional career. Academically, she was awarded two degrees from the University of Texas, Austin and a doctorate from Vanderbilt University. She worked for many years in the public schools in Fairfax County, Virginia, concentrating on reading and curriculum writing and planning. She also taught in the Alexandria, Virginia and Montgomery County, Maryland schools. Here in Texas, Marillyn taught in the public schools of Austin, Dallas and Midland where her last assignment prior to retirement was principal of Anson Jones Elementary School. Marillyn served on several charitable boards including Midland Need to Read and Camp Fire. She served as co-chairman, along with Bill Franklin, of a community initiative to encourage reading and literacy in Midland. Marillyn was also active in the preparation of exhibitions in museums and universities across Texas of the family’s collection of Soviet dissident art. Dr. Odum was the founder and first president of the Midland chapter of Phi Delta Kappa (PDK), a professional organization for educators, encouraging continuing education and professional excellence. Marillyn was a proud member of the Contemporary Study Club and thoroughly enjoyed the many friendships forged there.