Melba "Dean" Autry Odum

ODUM-Mrs. Melba “Dean” Autry Odum, age 75, of Graniteville, S.C., loving wife of Russell “Calvin” Odum and daughter of the late Thomas W. Autry and the late Josie Boatright Autry, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Sunday morning, September 9, 2012. In addition to her husband, she is survived by two sons, Samuel (Lori) Odum of Warrenville and Russell W. (Virginia) Odum of Graniteville; daughters, Debbie (Tony) Rhodes of Graniteville and Linda Darlene (Ronald) Barton of Gloverville; a sister, Dorothy (Franklin) Wilson of Langley; eleven grandchildren, Rachelle (Curtis) Workman, Lindsey Barton, C. J. Barton, Kaitlyn, Kasey and Jordan Odum, Alan and Chad Barton, Russ, Andrew and Alex Odum and thirteen great grandchildren. She was born in Swainsboro, Georgia but has been a lifelong resident of Aiken County, S.C. She was a dedicated member of Christian Heritage Church in Graniteville. She loved her family, her church family and her friends; but most of all, she loved her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ with all of her heart and soul. Yes, “Dean” as she was so fondly known by her family and friends, walked the walk and talked the talk with an unwaivering faith, and she will be greatly missed by all whose lives she touched during the 75 precious years that God granted her on this earth; however, life for her has not ended, just only begun. She has made a transition to her new Heavenly home, where life and love never ends, and her “Crown of Life” awaits. Until such time, when her family and friends reunite with her, she shall live on forever in everyone’s heart. The family will receive friends at Christian Heritage Church, this Monday evening, September 10th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM. A service celebrating her life and home going will be held at the church on Tuesday, September 11th at 2:00 PM with Rev. Stephen Phillips, Rev. Jody Padgett, Rev. Jonathan Randall and Rev. Tony Rhodes officiating. The interment will follow at the Graniteville Cemetery. The pallbearers will be C. J. Barton, Cody Smartt, Austin Scott, Alex Elsen, Caleb Phillips, Zach Williams, Tip Frank, Trevor Beard, Brandon Baggott, Jacob Hicks and Nathan Storey. Memorials, in Mrs. Odum’s honor, may be made to Christian Heritage Senior Adult Ministries, 285 Ascauga Lake Rd, Graniteville, S.C. 29829. The family would like to express a “Special Thanks” to Lawanna Renew and Regency Hospice for the loving care that they extended to their loved one during the past few months. Napier Funeral Home, Inc., 315 Main St., Graniteville, S.C. 29829 is in charge of the funeral arrangements. You may visit our guest register by logging on to www.napierfuneralhomeinc.com.