Brenda was born on March 29, 1960, to James Hayward Odom and Lois Eugenia Algood Elms in Mobile, AL. She is preceded in death by her father, James Odom; her sister, Linda Carol Odom; and her grandparents. She is survived by her “M & M” girls: Dr. Melissa (William Jason) Whigham, Melody (Joseph) Tarver, and Miranda Poole; her mother, Lois Elms; her brother, James Anthony (Amy) Odom.
Brenda is also survived by eight grandchildren: William Caleb (Kalyn) Whigham, Cirsten Whigham, Madison Tarver, Jeffrey Cole Whigham, McKinley Tarver, Ava Webster, Josie Webster, and Mason Tarver; and a great-grandchild, Harper Whigham. Additionally, she is survived by special friends of the family Ronda Girardeau, Clayton Griffith, Ally Fore, and the father of her daughters, Randy E Poole.
Brenda was an alumna of Mary G. Montgomery High School, Class of 1978. Following high school, she worked at Alfa Insurance and studied music at the University of Mobile. She later answered a call to ministry, serving as the secretary, pianist, and Sunday school teacher at Saraland First Assembly of God, where she attended for forty-five years. Brenda began working at the University of South Alabama on June 5, 2006, as a secretary in the Chemistry Department. She later transitioned to the College of Engineering as the Academic Records Specialist on September 11, 2011, where she worked closely with students. One colleague shared, “Brenda always responded from a place of help, support, and cooperation first, especially when it came to working in the best interest of students.”
Brenda was a loving and faithful woman who touched everyone she met. She made everyone feel like family, and they knew they could rely on her for anything. Her passion for God and her encouragement inspired others daily. To her daughters, she was a confidante, friend, cheerleader, and hero. She inspired them to keep their hearts toward the Lord, always guiding them with wisdom. She loved her grandchildren deeply, and they felt it.
Brenda was a beloved mom, daughter, sister, and “Meme.” Her family, friends, cousins, and church family will miss her dearly.
Visitation will be held on October 30, 2024, at Saraland First Assembly of God, 907 Shelton Beach Rd, Saraland, AL 36571. Family visitation will be from 10-11 a.m., with friends from 11 a.m.-12 p.m. Celebration service will begin at noon Graveside will immediately follow the service at the Spring Hill Memorial Gardens, in Mobile, Al . Pallbearers will include William Jason Whigham, Joseph Tarver, William Caleb Whigham, Jeffrey Cole Whigham, Clayton Griffith, and Brady Coleman.
Psalms 100:5 For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever; and his faithfulness continues through all generations.
