Bernis Ella O'Dell

Bernis employed her many skills and talents as an elementary school teacher, travel agent, newspaper clerk, and office aide at Commercial Brick Corporation, Wewoka, Oklahoma, before the family's relocation to Ormond Beach in 1986.

In her retirement Bernis pledged her time and donations to the Basilica of Saint Paul Catholic Church, Prince of Peace Catholic Church, and the Catholic Student Union at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach. At Prince of Peace, she was among those who spearheaded the POP-MOM (Prince of Peace Meal of the Month) ministry, serving a "taste of home" hot dinner to the Catholic students at Embry-Riddle. She would go on to offer housing to several students, including those who would continue to develop as future leaders of the church.

As a member of the bereavement ministry at the Basilica, she supported families by providing practical care during funeral Mass rites and post-funeral receptions.

In each parish she trained readers of the Word, Eucharistic ministers, and servers as part of liturgical life ministries.

Bernis was predeceased by her husband of 56 years, Max O'Dell, and her son Mark O'Dell. She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Sidor (George): granddaughters Jessica (Ryan) Scott and Amanda (Brian) Godfrey; and great-grandchildren Cannon Scott, Raya Godfrey, and Hayes Godfrey.

The funeral Mass will be at the Basilica of Saint Paul, 317 Mullally Street, Daytona Beach, Florda, 32114, at 11a.m. on Thursday, August 6, 2026, with reception to follow. After the reception, the interment will take place at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, Florida 32174.