Shirley A Odom

Shirley Ann Odom, 83, of Shreveport, Louisiana, entered the presence of her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, passing peacefully in her sleep. Her life was a testimony of steadfast faith, devoted love for her husband, and unwavering commitment to her family.

Born in Pinehurst, Georgia, to Arthur and Irene E’dalgo, Shirley was raised in the Nashville, Georgia, area, where she learned the values of hard work, family, and faith while attending school and helping on the family farm. She graduated from Berrien High School in 1960. On New Year’s Day, 1961, she married the love of her life, Raymond Odom, beginning a marriage that would span 65 blessed years. Together they welcomed two sons, Tony and Andy, and built a home rooted in love and Christian values.

While living in Jesup, Georgia, Shirley devoted herself fully to raising her children and serving faithfully at Calvary Baptist Church. In 1981, the family moved to Mansfield, Louisiana, where she continued her walk of faith at Southside Baptist Church. In 1994, Shirley moved to Shreveport, where she later attended Woodridge Baptist Church until declining health made attendance no longer possible. Even then, her faith remained a quiet and constant presence in her life.

Shirley deeply loved her husband, Raymond, often commenting on how “pretty” he was—a love he openly felt blessed by. In his memoir, Rambling, Raymond wrote:

“I love her even more today than I did when we got married… And sometimes at night, I lay there in the dark listening to her breathe and thank God for her.”

Their marriage stood as a living example of sacrificial love, companionship, and gratitude to God.

Shirley had a heart of generosity and grace, evident in her calm and positive nature. She loved to bake and was an avid cake baker. She also found joy in collecting—whether porcelain dolls, ceramic elephants, or the many cow figurines found throughout her home. And Elvis? In her mind, he was simply the best that ever was.

In her later years, as her memory faded and independence diminished, Shirley faced these changes with grace. Though she eventually stopped driving, she never lost her spirit or confidence. Simple joys filled her days, especially her trips to Whataburger and her weekly hair appointments, which she delighted in and planned everything else around.

Three months after her husband’s death, Shirley was hospitalized after suffering a broken hip. Though surgery was successful, her declining memory prevented her from progressing in physical therapy, and she was unable to return home. Still, she rarely complained and always seemed at peace. When asked, “How are you doing?” she would faithfully reply, “I’m doing good.”

In her final days, her appetite faded, and what she desired most was rest. On the morning of January 28, 2026, Shirley peacefully fell asleep, trusting in the promise of eternal life and reunion with her beloved Raymond.

Shirley is survived by her sons, Tony Odom (SanDee) and Andy Odom (Cathy); her granddaughters, Ashley Thomasson and Hanna Odom; and her sister, Barbara Ray.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Raymond Odom; her parents, Arthur and Irene E’dalgo; her brother, Wade E’dalgo; and her sister, Myrna Kistulentz.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to Pam Pennywell for her faithful friendship and loving care of Shirley. They also thank The Guest House staff for their compassion and support, and especially Rose Roberson, whose encouragement and kindness blessed not only Shirley, but the entire family.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 6, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home, 8801 Mansfield Road, Shreveport, Louisiana 71108. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 1:00 PM, with burial at Centuries Memorial Park, Veteran II Garden, Lot 86.

“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on… they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”

— Revelation 14:13