Shirley Holland Odom

Shirley Odom, age 80, passed away Thursday evening June 15^th at Gordon Health and Rehab, after several weeks of declining health. Shirley was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on April 16, 1943. She was a devout Christian, who loved the Lord, her family, and everyone that God placed in her life. She was an intercessory prayer warrior. Shirley also loved to sing and was a self-taught musician on the guitar and piano.

Early in Shirley’s life, she was a waitress and later a homemaker, when she and her husband Howard lived in Jacksonville, Fla. After settling in Gordon County in the early ‘70’s, she began working in the carpet industry. In the mid ‘80’s she attended Dalton Jr. College, where she earned a certificate of completion for Basic Child Care and began working in the daycare line of work. After several years, she transitioned into being a caregiver for the elderly. Shirley loved caring for people of all ages. She also felt good about helping to lighten the load for other people; that’s how she lastly transitioned into the role of house cleaning. Ironing being her favorite chore.

Shirley was preceded in death by her 1^st husband Howard VanDyke of 8 years and her second husband Charles Odom of 48 years. Her parents, Roy Holland and Dorothy Moore Holland, her son-in-law, Chad Brookshire as well as numerous siblings and other family members also precede her.

Survivors include her children, Angie (Chris) Nesbitt, and Rhonda Brookshire; bonus children, Todd Odom, and Dustin (Jennifer) Odom; grandchildren; C.J. Nesbitt, Trevor (Madison) Nesbitt, and Jewelia (Kait) Payne, bonus grandchildren; Luke Odom, Kali Pearman, and Greg Brookshire. Brothers and sisters; Beulah Stanley, Vernon (Faye) Holland, Bonnie (Sammy) Oliver, Carol (Lynn) Thomas, Sara (Mike) Lau, and special-in-laws; Reba Holland, Liz Holland, and Kathy Stanley. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. 

The family will receive friends Sunday evening June 18^th from 4 until 7pm at the funeral home.

Funeral services will be conducted Monday June 19^th at 2pm from the chapel of Thomas Funeral Home with Rev. Preston Aker, Jr. and Angie Nesbitt officiating. Burial will follow in Fain Cemetery with Richard Holland, Raymond Holland, Randy Holland, Scott Oliver, Josh Stanley, and Wade Thomas serving as pallbearers.

You may send condolences to the family at www.thomasfuneralhomecalhoun.com

Thomas Funeral Home is proud to have been entrusted with the care of  Shirley Odom.