Mrs. Shirley Odum

Shirley Mae Cheeley Odum, 84, passed away on Friday, August 18, 2023. Throughout recent years she bravely fought multiple chronic illnesses and the Lord called her home to rest eternally. She was born of October 18, 1938, in St. Louis, MO, the daughter of John Thomas Cheeley and Effie Mae Rodgers Cheeley.

Shirley became a Christian at the age of 10 and loved the Lord her entire life. A charter member of The Oaks Baptist Church in Lyons, Georgia, she was a Deacon Servant, Sunday School teacher and faithfully served in any capacity there was a need. The children of the church loved “Miss Shirley.” She spent hours studying and reading her Bible in a desire to grow in wisdom, guidance and strength.

Shirley was passionate about reading and consumed hundreds of books every year. Quilting, cooking, watching old movies and spending time with family were some of her favorite things. She was full of joy and cherished her family and friends.

Survivors include her love of 64 years, Edwin Lawton “Sonny” Odum; daughters, Cynthia Leigh Odum (Donnie) Scott, Palmyra, VA, Charlotte Marie Odum (Brian) Sauer, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; six grandchildren, Matthew Lawton (Nicole) Scott, Bumpass, VA, Kathryn Rachel Scott (Travis) Brent, Palmyra, VA, Benjamin Donlee Scott, Louisa, VA, Kimberly Marie Sauer, Gainesville, FL, Lindsey Nicole Sauer, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, Kristin Alyse Sauer, Lexington, KY; four great-grandsons, Colton Ray Scott, Jason Michael Scott, Dakota Reid Scott, Asa Lynn Brent; sisters, Bernice Inez Cheeley (John) Rogers, Cleveland, GA, John Susan Cheeley (James) Mitchell, Sautee Nacoochee, GA; and numerous nieces and nephews. Her parents and sisters, JoAnn Cheeley Ealick and Frances Louella Cheeley Johnson predeceased her. A worship service celebrating Shirley’s life will be held on Saturday, August 26, 2023, at The Oaks Baptist Church, Lyons, Ga. Visitation will begin at 11:00 a.m. with the service to follow at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Oaks Baptist Church.

The family wishes to thank all those who loved and cared for her.

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