Beverly Carol Odum

Beverly Odum, 75, of Columbia, MO passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Saturday, December 14, 2024, after her battle with a rare lung cancer. Visitation will be 10:00 am – 11:00 am, Thursday, December 19th at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 903 Bernadette Drive in Columbia. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am at the church followed by burial in Memorial Park Cemetery in Columbia.

Beverly was born November 25, 1949, in Kennett, MO. In 1967, she graduated from McKinley High School. She attended Monmouth College in Illinois and received her Bachelor’s in Education in 1972. Teaching was something she always felt called to do, and she began her career teaching second and third grade in St. Louis. On November 27, 1971, she married Thomas Odum, and they moved to Columbia, MO in 1977. After that, Beverly worked for 37 years as a beloved Kindergarten teacher at Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School.

Beverly leaves an unforgettable impression on those who knew her. Her compassionate and caring heart captivated everyone who had the chance to know her. She enjoyed embroidery, photography, bargain hunting, and event planning in her spare time. She always took every opportunity to step in when others needed help. She loved being an active participant in her sorority and teacher friend groups.

Family was very important to Beverly. She did not miss a family celebration in St. Louis; Christmas party, Wedding, Baby Shower, Easter, Graduation, she was always there. She was so thoughtful, and she always brought gifts for all the children. Her consideration for others carried over to her years of teaching, and she made an everlasting impact on all those she taught. She lived out every day with faith in God and shared that faith and positivity with her students.

Beverly was a wonderful wife to Tom and mother to Elizabeth and Emily. She showed her love and support in more ways than can be named. She was overjoyed to become a grandmother in May of 2022. She cherished her days taking care of Nolan, up until her illness progression. She was a role model of strength and courage throughout her battle with cancer. She would make it a goal to get to know all the staff who helped her, and she often still put the needs of others above her own.

Beverly is survived by her daughters, Elizabeth Odum of Jefferson City, and Emily (Jeff) Roper of Columbia; grandson, Nolan Roper; siblings, Ruth (Bill) NIblack, and Joy (John) Bryant; siblings in-laws Steven (Irene), Mary Trueman, Judy Odum, and Cathy (Doug) Scherrer all of St. Louis, many nieces and nephews, and a loving extended family. She was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Odum, mother Ruth Gage, father Jimmy Gage, brother Harold Gage, brothers-in-law David Odum, and Dennis Trueman, grandparents, loving aunts and uncles, and great niece Ansley Odum.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Our Lady of Lourdes Interparish School 817 Bernadette Drive Columbia, MO 65203 or St. Jude Children’s Hospital 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com