Shirley Ann Odom

    On February 15, 2025, Shirley Ann Odom, beloved aunt and a friend to many entered into peace joining her Savior and loved ones in Heaven at the age of 86. She was born December 23, 1938, to the late Virgil Lee Odom and Carey Maude Davis Odom in Screven County, GA. Preceding her in death, was  her brother Delbert  Lee Odom;  sister,  Marceline Odom Edenfield and brother-in-law  Joseph A. Edenfield; nephew, Thomas S. “Tommy" Edenfield; nephew-in-law, Bobby C. Jenkins; and life companion, Jan Wilson. 
    Upon the death of her “Sister”, Shirley became a “Second Mother” to her nieces and nephews. Survivors include nephews: Joe L. Edenfield (Patty), Augusta, GA, Robert D. "Shorty" Edenfield (Sue), Waynesboro, GA; nieces:  Barbara Jenkins, Sardis, GA. and Jacquelyn "Jackie" Edenfield (David McIntyre), Duluth, GA; great nephews: Doug Jenkins, Sardis, GA, Derek Edenfield (Allison), Augusta, GA, Phillip Edenfield (Eun), Colorado Springs, CO, Brad Edenfield (Morgan), Waynesboro, GA, and Will Edenfield, Waynesboro, GA; great-great nephews: D. J. Jenkins, Jun Edenfield, Jin Edenfield, Liam Edenfield, and Cole Edenfield; great-great nieces: Rose Edenfield, Stella Edenfield, and Jules Edenfield; special friends: Mona Villa and  Dale and Janelle Ward, Greensboro, GA; and her beloved fur babies: Twinkles and Blackie who now have a new forever home with someone devoted to caring for pets.  She is also survived by many close friends and her church family.  
    At an early age her family moved to Waynesboro, Georgia where she grew up and attended school graduating in 1958 from Waynesboro High School. In 1963 she earned her BA in Health and P.E. from the Women’s College of Georgia in Milledgeville. Given Shirley’s commitment and dedication to teaching, she returned to college and received her Master of Education in 1975 from the University of Georgia with an emphasis in health and nutrition which led to developing health curriculum and co-authoring a book with the Kellogg Foundation.  
    Shirley, “Coach Odom” was an educator and coach for 30 years with the Clarke County School District at Clarke Middle and Clarke Central High in Athens.  During her tenure there she taught Health & PE and coached girls varsity basketball and track and girls and boys varsity cross country. 
    Shirley volunteered throughout the community in many various capacities and was a Recreation Director for Athens YMCA.   For many years she played on the All- Star basketball team winning many tournaments including four championships pitching softball.  
    During her years of teaching and coaching, Shirley influenced the lives of many individuals. Former students continued to acknowledge or greet her as “Coach Odom” throughout the Athens - Greensboro area. 
    Shirley had a deep love for her Savior Jesus Christ.  After moving to Greene County she was a very active member of the First United Methodist Church in Union Point (now Union Point Methodist Church) participating in the church choir, Sunday School, the Methodist Women, missions, and other various committees, She served as a trustee of the church for many years. She continued to be an active member at Union Point Methodist Church until her health prevented her from attending.  She gave back to her community by volunteering with St. Mary’s Good Samaritan Hospital Auxiliary for sixteen years.  
    After Shirley retired, she became an “official piddler” (per Jan) enjoying her hobbies of camping, fishing, woodworking especially building bird houses and painting.
    The family wishes to acknowledge and express appreciation to St. Mary’s Home Health and Hospice for their services and care for Shirley in the past year.   They are especially thankful for the wonderful care and companionship Shirley received while in assisted living from her loving caregivers, Nicole Reid, Natalie Alexander, Carolyn West, Cindy Jernigan, Carolyn Jernigan and Tawanda Pope.
    Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at the Union Point Methodist Church, 714 Park Avenue, Union Point, GA 30669 with her great nephew, Brad Edenfield officiating.  The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at Harmony Cemetery, Sylvania, GA on Monday, March 3, 2025, at 1:00 p.m.
    Shirley’s ministry throughout her life was to help the less fortunate and give to those in need.  In honor of Shirley, the family requests that  with a caring heart provide an act of charity and kindness to someone in need.  Additionally, memorials may be made to the Greene County Sr. Center (Meals on Wheels Program), 1031 Silver Drive, Greensboro, GA 30642 or the charity of your choice.  McCommons Funeral Home, 109 W. Broad St., Greensboro, GA, (706) 453-2626, is in charge of arrangements. Visit us at www.mccommonsfuneralhome.com to sign the online guest register.

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