Odessa Johnson

On December 3, 1946, the Lord sent MelJ and Cora Della Coleman a special gift; He sent them a baby girl that they named Odessa Coleman (Puddin). She was born number five out of eight children in Newton County, Texas (East Texas). Odessa was kind, smart, gracious, merciful, and popular with everyone she encountered. She loved to laugh the biggest laugh she had inside every chance that presented itself. She made it a point to joke around with her people to keep the atmosphere light and trustworthy. She was a mother figure to a lot of people because it was just her God-given nature. She moved to Houston at 7 years old after leaving Newton County with her family.

She attended Dunbar Elementary, Miller Junior High School, and Jack Yates Senior High School where she became a Mighty, Mighty Lion, sporting Crimson and Gold before graduating in 1965. Upon receiving a certification in accounting, she began working with the Texas State Dept. of Health and Human Services, retiring after over 30 years of service.

She attended church regularly at the Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Smith, until she decided to move her membership to the Progressive Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Jones as the leader. In 1993 she became a member of the Miracle House of Prayer- Arcola, where Bishop Lorenzo Coleman Sr., was the shepherd. Pastor Eddie and First Lady Anita Robinson later assumed the position as leaders of the MHOP-Arcola Church until God called them home in the year 2020. Her membership remains with the Miracle House of Prayer Churches under the Leadership of Bishop Lorenzo and Pastor Lois J. Coleman.

She married at the age of nineteen to Eddie D. Johnson where she bore three children: Charles Evan Johnson (Deceased), Angela Regina Johnson (Deceased), and Rotonia Yvette Harrell. Odessa leaves behind eight grandchildren: Evan Kennard Johnson Sr., Byron Jerrod Harrell (Darlisha Tillman), Dalvin Devon Harrell (Adriana Harrell), Kennedy Symonne-Kirstian Harrell (Irving Dishaun Jackson), Darion John Harrell (Suga-Man), Kobe Montae Harrell, Joshua Harrell, and Mattison Rachel Harrell (Pinky). Five great-grandchildren: Erin London Johnson, Evan Kennard Johnson Jr., Reign Makenzie Johnson, Micah Jewels Johnson, Kylee Stokes, and Kairo Kash Harrell.

After the passing of her sister Melvina Coleman, Odessa took on the personal responsibility of caring for her four children: Faith Vontrice Coleman (Trice), Evonna Kasun Coleman, Ashton Jamal Coleman, and Athens Janae Coleman, and through Faith, Anthony and Khalique Jones. Through Athens, Ashton Carter Mell Johnson, and Maddox Amaghn Rylander. Her sibling is as follows:

Bishop Archie Shankle (Miram Shankle)

(Children) Cheryl Shankle, Keith Shankle, Maria Shankle

Gertie Shankle Thompson (Rev. James E. Thompson)

(Children) Edward Shankle (Deborah Shankle),

Shirley Shankle, Shelia Shankle

Bobbie Joe Coleman Maiden (James Maiden)

(Children) Carl Ray Coleman

Bishop Lorenzo Coleman Sr. (Pastor Lois Jean Coleman)

(Children) Yolanda McCammom (Frank McCammom), Lorenzo Coleman Jr., Brandon Coleman

Melvina Coleman

(Children) Faith Vontrice Coleman,

Evonna Kasun Coleman, Ashton Jamal & Athens Janae Coleman

Cynthia Marie Coleman Dixon (Alvin Dixon)

(Children) Keva Lashae Johnson (Clarance Johnson), Chadrick Coleman

Donald Ray Coleman (Linda Gaye Stevens)

(Children) Christopher Coleman (Lakeisha Coleman), Adrian Stevens, Dontae Stevens

Apostle Melvin Cartwright (Jackie Cartwright)

(Children)

Natasha, Charles, Angela, Elizebeth