Betty Joe Odom

Betty Joe Williams Odom was born on August 17, 1950, in Pensacola, Florida, to the union of Willie Bell Stalworth Williams and Robert Williams Sr. She grew up in Warrington, Florida, in a large and loving family with five sisters and four brothers. Being one of the younger children, Betty was affectionately known as the baby of the family for many years and was deeply loved by her siblings.

From an early age, Betty was introduced to her Christian faith. She attended Smyrna Baptist Church in Warrington with her mother and accepted Jesus Christ at a young age. Her faith would remain an important part of her life and eventually become an important part of the family she created.

Betty attended school in Warrington and attended Judy Andrew’s High School. Growing up, she was full of personality, adventure, and life. She enjoyed spending time with her family, going to the beautiful beaches of Pensacola, doing arts and crafts, and simply having fun. Family meant everything to Betty.

As her siblings began moving away, Betty frequently traveled between Florida and Seattle, Washington, where several of her sisters and brothers had relocated. During her visits, she stayed with her sister Shirley and her family. Seattle soon became another home to Betty, filled with family gatherings, dinners, barbecues, parties, traveling, card games, laughter, and countless memories.

Eventually, Betty made Seattle her home.

While in Seattle, Betty met James A. Odom through visits with family. Their relationship blossomed, and at the age of 38, Betty married James on January 14, 1988. Their marriage would span approximately 38 years. Betty loved her husband deeply, and together they built a life rooted in family and faith.

Betty and James became faithful members of Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church, where James later became a minister. When he was called to pastor Sunlight Missionary Baptist Church, Betty faithfully stepped into her role as First Lady. She served alongside her husband for approximately 28 years, supporting the ministry and their church family. Betty was respected and loved by many churches and members of the community for her dedication, warmth, and service to the Lord.

Betty was also a hardworking woman with a heart for caring for others. She completed her training and earned her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). She worked in nursing and restorative care, where her compassionate nature allowed her to care for elderly individuals and others in need.

She later found another calling behind the wheel.

Betty worked as a driver for various transportation services, including Access transportation, airport transportation, school buses, and First Student. Driving became more than employment for Betty - it was something she truly enjoyed. She loved the people she transported, especially the students, and they loved her in return. Over the years, she developed many friendships through her work and remained a dedicated driver until illness led to her retirement.

Outside of work and church, Betty knew how to enjoy life. She loved traveling, shooting pool, playing cards - especially Pokeno and gathering with the people she loved. She also enjoyed reading and collecting Ebony and Jet magazines. Betty had a special appreciation for cars and loved to drive; if there was somewhere to go, Betty was ready to get behind the wheel.

Although Betty did not have biological children of her own, her love for children knew no boundaries. She embraced and loved the children in her family as her own, including her niece Katina Odom Malone and her children, Marce’siera and Masaun Odom (Colita), (GiGi) as well as other nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren who held special places in her heart.

Betty’s health journey eventually led her to First Hill Swedish Hospital, where she received exceptional care. Even during illness, Betty remained surrounded by love. Family and friends visited often, and the hospital staff came to know and care deeply for her. She was later cared for at Providence St. Joseph, where she continued to be treated with love, respect, compassion, and dignity through the final chapter of her life.

Betty was preceded in death by her parents, Robert L. Williams Sr. and Willie Bell Falworth Williams, along with beloved siblings Shirley Odom (Lawrence), Joyce Muskelly (Thurston), Agnes Garrett Johnson (Leroy), Charlesta Henderson (Willie Sr.), Alice Haynes, Sarah Turner (Charles), Ethel August (Joseph), Harvey White, Robert Williams and Ronald Williams.

She leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband, Rev. James A. Odom; her daughter in love, Caroline Odom; granddaughter Eryn Odom; grandsons Aaron Cotton Jr., Zacary and Cotton. Brother Moses Williams (Sherry) , Ethel Williams and a large and loving family that includes her nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren, extended relatives, church family, and a host of treasured friends.

Betty’s life was filled with faith, family, service, laughter, travel, hard work, and love. Whether she was serving beside her husband in church, caring for someone as a nursing assistant, driving a bus full of students, gathering around a table with family, traveling, or playing a hand of cards, Betty brought her personality and presence with her.

Her family was her heart.

Her faith was her foundation.

And the love she gave throughout her life will continue through everyone blessed enough to have known her.

First Lady Betty Joe Williams Odom’s legacy will forever live in the hearts of her family, church family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched.