Beatrice Hamilton Odom

Beatrice Hamilton Odom, 96, of Cleveland, died November 29, at a local health care facility.Bea, as she was affectionately known to her many friends, was born in Matthews, Georgia, in a pastor's home. She was the oldest of five children and from an early age was involved in ministry activities. Often, she would accompany her father as he pioneered new churches in communities surrounding Asheville, North Carolina. As a young woman, she was involved in her church's music ministry and Christian education program. One of the things she loved was Vacation Bible School and she directed VBS programs in several churches. She attended Bob Jones University where she met Elmer Odom whom she later married. After graduating from Bob Jones, she and Elmer joined the Lee College (now University) faculty, where they taught for over 30 years. While at Lee, Bea was instrumental in the formation and development of the Christian Education department. Hundreds of her former students have lead education programs in churches throughout the nation.As a long-time active member of North Cleveland Church of God, she helped found and direct the church library, served regularly on the Christian Education Board, and filled other positions. Following her retirement from Lee, she became a committed volunteer at Bradley County Memorial (now Tennova) Hospital. She took special joy in making and providing bonnets for newborns leaving the hospital. Bea was an excellent cook and always took pleasure in providing wonderful meals, especially for family during holiday celebrations.She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer; her parents, Roy Earl and Nora Lee Hamilton; and two brothers, Clarence Hamilton and Donald Hamilton.She is survived by her children, Franklin Odom (Darlene), of Cleveland, and Lowell Odom (Jessica), of Fort Pierce, Florida; grandchildren, Christy Washington (Joe), of Cleveland, Philip Odom (Melissa), of Cleveland, and Eric Odom (Kara), of Fort Pierce, Florida; five great-grandchildren; sister, Vivian McIntyre, of Kannapolis, North Carolina; and brother, Charles Hamilton, of Knoxville; several nieces and nephews.The Remembrance of Life Service will be conducted Saturday, December 3, 2016 at 1:00 P. M. from the North Cleveland Church of God Dixon Chapel with Pastor Mark Williams and Ruth Lindsey officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Gardens with family and friends serving as casket bearers. The family will receive friends from 11:00 until 1:00 on Saturday at the North Cleveland Church of God Dixon Chapel. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Roy Earl and Nora Hamilton Ministerial Scholarship fund at Lee University, 1120 N. Ocoee Street Cleveland, Tennessee 37311. The Jim Rush Funeral and Cremation Services North Ocoee Chapel has charge of the arrangements. You may share your memories and your condolences with the Odom family at www.jimrushfuneralhomes.com..Read Obituary