Earlene Wilcox Odeneal

Earlene Wilcox Odeneal June 3, 1931 September 12, 2008 Earlene Wilcox Odeneal went Home to be with Her Lord and Heavenly Family Friday, September 12, 2008 with daughter Shannon and dear friend, Cherilyn Lamb Wingate, at her side. Graveside service will be at 9:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 16th at Waco Memorial Park with a memorial service following at 10:30 a.m. at Crestview Church of Christ, 7129 Delhi Rd. Visitation with the family will be from 6:00 8:00 pm, Monday, September 15th, at Wilkirson Hatch-Bailey Funeral Home. Earlene was born June 3, 1931 in Hamilton, Texas to Hazel Jane and Woodrow W. Wilcox. After growing up in Hamilton, Earlene spent time in Louisiana, Harlingen, Dallas, Eagle Pass and Beaumont, Texas. It was during her time in Harlingen that she met and married Raye Lewis Odeneal on October 3, 1959 and gained two precious stepchildren, Cynthia Lou and Lewis Edward Odeneal. In 1963, they had their son, Raye Vance Van and in 1969 along came a daughter, Shannon Dean. Moving to Waco in 1977, she found her home. She was a member of the Texas Board of Realtors and a top-selling realtor for many years. Later, she worked with Beall's Department Store. She was also on the School Board for Waco Christian School for many years. She was the ultimate football and cheerleading parent for both her children....driving to the ends of Texas if need be to "ring her bell" for the team. She was known and loved as "Momma O" by so many. Wherever she was, she made life-long friends and beautifully touched the lives of those around her. As a long time member of the Church of Christ, she was an amazing, loving, servant of God who brought so many to know Our Lord and be saved. From the beginning to the end of her time here on earth, she showed us a brilliant example of a loving, selfless Christian walk with God. As we sat by her bedside in those final minutes, we talked to her about the party they were readying for her in Heaven. Her Daddy at the fiddle, sisters and loved ones bringing her Home. Oh the sights and sounds of Heaven. Earlene was preceded in death by her parents and husband, step-son Lewis Edward Odeneal, twin sister Geraldine Wilcox Adams, sister Catherine Jane Wilcox Mire, and brother Roger Clay. She is survived by her son, Raye Vance Odeneal Van and wife Sheryl, grandson Ryan Raye of Paris, Tx; daughter, Shannon Odeneal Gamble and husband Chris, grandchildren Brody and Sabrina of Lorena, Tx; step-daughter, Cynthia Lou Blagg and husband Danny of Oklahoma; brother, Lewis Wayne Wilcox and wife Dot of Thibodaux, La; sister, Marcia Daniel and husband Jon of Bonham, Tx; brother-in-law Bobby Mire and wife Doodie of Thibodaux, La; brother, Harold Clay of Chatanooga, Tn; sisters Bonnie Boyce and husband Bob of Poplarville, Ms.; Marilyn Thomas-Chaney and husband Jerry of Bonham, Tx; and 18 nieces and nephews. A very special note of appreciation to our sweet "family" at St. Catherine's Nursing Center. So many of you took such care and love with Mom and helped our family immensely. Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. "You don't have a soul. You are a Soul. You have a body." ~ C.S. Lewis