Mamie Ethelene Odom, 96, of Palatka, passed from this life on Saturday, April 4, 2020 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center following an extended illness. Born in Tennille, Georgia to Linton Marshall and Mamie Davis Marshall, Ethelene moved to Palatka in 1942 from Georgia. She married James Russell “Jimmy” Odom in 1949. A young and ambitious woman, Ethelene began a long career working with Southern Bell Telephone as an operator. She retired in 1985 in the business office following 40 years of dedicated service. Following her retirement, Jimmy became ill and suffered from Alzheimer’s for 14 years before his passing in 2000. During his illness, Ethelene displayed an exemplary dedication and true devotion to Jimmy, traveling every day for years to Keystone Heights and then to Green Cove Springs to feed, bath and make him as comfortable as possible. Following Jimmy’s passing, Ethelene (at age 77) thrust herself into a new life of community service. She soon (2001) rejoined the GFWC Woman’s Club of Palatka where she served on the Board of Directors for 5 years and as President in 2005. In 2006 she was recognized by the GFWC Florida Federation of Women’s Clubs as Volunteer of the Year at the organization’s annual convention in Orlando. She would also be nominated by the GFWC Woman’s Club of Palatka as the Celebrate Putnam “Volunteer of the Week” and in June 2012 as a “Shining Star” in Putnam County for all her dedication to numerous organizations. Ethelene was also involved with the Putnam County Habitat for Humanity where she served as President and organized the first “Women’s Build” with the organization in Putnam County. In May 2005, she was recognized by the organization as “Outstanding Volunteer” for all her dedication to organizing and leading numerous fundraising events for Habitat. Other organizations Ethelene was active in were, the Telephone Pioneers of America, The March of Dimes, board of directors with the Lee Conlee House (spouse abuse center), Putnam County Historical Society (board of directors and organizer of Annual Fall Antique Festival), Haven Hospice Community Advisory Board and volunteer worker, United Way of Putnam County, volunteer worker with the Larimer Arts Center and A Woman’s Resource Center. As a member of the American Red Cross Disaster Team, she was assigned to Q.I. Roberts Middle School (designated as an evacuation center) where she assisted in registering and assessing the needs of evacuees. Ethelene was a very active member of the First Baptist Church in Palatka where she served on numerous committees, sang in the Senior Adult Choir, was a greeter and had been vice president of the Caring Sunday School Class. In addition to all her involvement in the community, Ethelene was perhaps best characterized as “the essence of a Southern Lady” in all respects and as one with an abundant supply of energy!

In addition to Jimmy, her husband of 52 years, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Buddy Marshall, Dora Joiner, Lena Dancy, Liz Steen and Wyman Marshall.
Ethelene is survived by her son, James Elliott Odom (Denise) of St. Augustine, a brother, Quince Marshall and wife Pete of Foley, AL, 3 grandchildren, Chad Herring, Jami Odom and Morgan Odom and several nieces and nephews.
Due to Covid -19 guidelines and restrictions, private family services will be held at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka. Friends and fellow volunteer associates are encouraged to share their memories and stories about Ethelene with the family at her Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177.
Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.