Edna B. O'Dell

Edna Bernice O’Dell, age 89, of Okemos, MI formerly of Perry, MI was born the middle child of seven children to George Washington Kirby and Frankie M. Kirby on August 15, 1933, in Hazel Park, Michigan. She passed, quietly, into the arms of Jesus on February 11th, 2023.

After losing her father when she was eight, Edna grew up knowing the value of hard work. Though she had to work to support her family and continue her education, she was proud to graduate with honors from Howell High School.

After high school, she worked in a diner. This is where she offered to take her friend’s little brother to a movie. Thinking she was going to be entertaining a child, she was extremely surprised when that little brother was a handsome marine.

After numerous letters and phone calls, she got engaged. Shortly after, she married the love of her life: Dennis K. O’Dell. They got married on January 30, 1954. Together, they raised their family on their small farm in Perry, Michigan.

Edna worked various jobs over the years, including working for Bell Telephone, Auto-Owners Insurance, and finally landing on a career as a florist. She loved creating beautiful arrangements and assisting customers. She opened her own flower shop that she ran out of a converted garage at their home.

Edna loved traveling and spending time with her family. She enjoyed crafts and made beautiful quilts. Every time there was a new addition to her family, there was a hand-embroidered baby quilt to welcome them.

Edna is survived by her two daughters: Diane (Doug) Tindall of Cassapolis and Patricia (John) Prout of Okemos. She is also survived by her six grandchildren Jeremy (Rachel) Tindall, Gabrielle (Scott) McCumons, Faith (Gregg) Pratt, Blake (Helen) Hummel, Denae (Logan) Tomaszewski, and AJ Hummel, as well as five great-grandchildren and two sisters.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Dennis K. O’Dell; her daughter, Kathleen; her sons Gary O'Dell and Jeff O'Dell; as well as her parents and four siblings.

The family will receive friends on February 18th from 10 to 11 AM at Heritage Baptist Church, followed by A Celebration of Life service at 11:00 AM at Heritage Baptist Church in Dewitt. A meal will follow the service.