Frances R

Odom

God saw it was time to call his child, Frances Ruth McDonald Odom, home to rest on November 15, 2025. She was born to Jake and Estella McDonald on April 6, 1941 in Newton County. She graduated from N.H. Pilate High School in 1959. She accepted Christ at an early age at the Shiloh MB Church where she served faithfully until she left Newton on September 1, 1966 for a job with Buick General Motors in Flint, Michigan. She joined New Zion Baptist Church in Flint under the leadership of Rev. W.G. Terry and was a faithful member with the usher board and home mission. Frances married David Odom Sr. in 1970 and continued serving at New Zionuntil she retired from General Motors in 1993 and returned home to Newton in 1994.

Frances rejoined the Shiloh MB Church under Rev. L.L. Logan and served under several pastors including current pastor, Rev. J.R. Jennings. Upon returning to Newton she worked as an assistant teacher for special education children at Newton High School for nine years. When she left there she went to work with the Crossroads Head Start Center for 13 years driving the school bus. Her hobbies were cooking, bowling, fishing, softball and volleyball. She loved and cherished her family. She loved singing and having family gatherings. Frances' heart was full of love for everybody. She saw the best in everyone. She was a loving and praying mother.

Frances was preceded in death by her mother, father, five brothers, one sister, her loving daughter Gwendolyn Booth, a special niece Barbara A. McClaron of Tacoma, WA and son-in-law John Howlett.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories, a hardworking, loving, devoted husband David Odom Sr., a dear to her heart, loving and caring mom Mary Ruth McDonald, five daughters -- Kimmie Howlett of Tampa, FL, Cynthia Edwards and Mary Bailey of Hamden, CT, Darlene Odom-Scruggs of Aberdeen, MD, and Jeanine (James III) Franklin of Flint, MI, and one son -- Rev. David (Nakia) Odom Jr. of Lansing, MI; seventeen grandchildren -- Monique (Chuckie) Stalling Avondale, AZ, Kimmike, Fred and Fredericka Booth of Flint, MI, Jerrod (Amanda) Howlett of Brooklyn, NY, Jahnaye Howlett of Lansing, MI, Raven, Joshua and Jacob Odom of Lansing, MI, Michael and Maurice Edwards, Melvin and Chanelle Clarke of Hamden, CT, Kiersten and Chaurice Scruggs of Aberdeen, MD, James Franklin IV and Jenae Franklin of Flint, MI; 29 great grandchildren and 5 great great grandchildren; special nieces -- Faye, Martha, Sandy and Nelda, a very special friend for life Ms. Earlene Underwood of Flint, MI and Shanesta (Ron) Jones, her Shiloh Church family, her New Zion Church family, Head Start staff and teachers in Newton County, and a host of people, family members, and friends she cared for like her own. She was a faithful member of her church choir, home mission, and pastor's aid committee until her death. Frances' joyful and loving spirit lives on in her family and everyone she loved.

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing

2 Timothy 4:7-8