Billie Louise Odum

Billie Louise West was the fourth born child out of nine, blessed to the union of the Late Frank West and Blanche Anderson West of Waco, Texas.

Billie attended Waco Schools: South Waco Elementary “Colored” School; A. J. Moore Jr. and Senior High Schools. She graduated mid-term in 1954 and enrolled in Paul Quinn College where she attended one year. She then married and had her children. Later, Billie re-enrolled in Paul Quinn College and received her degree in Elementary Education. She furthered her education by attending Prairie View AM and Baylor Universities dual program where she received her Special Education Certification.

Billie accepted Christ at a young age. She became a member of Mt. Zion Christian Methodist Episcopal (CME) Church where she began to play the piano for her Sunday School. Later she became the musician for her church and played for them for over 25 years. She also played the piano for several other churches in the area.

In 1982, she and her children became members of Toliver Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The Reverend Cleophus James LaRue was Pastor. It was here at Toliver Chapel, that she had the joy of singing praises to the Lord in the Sanctuary Choir. She especially enjoyed being part of the dynamic Christmas Cantata Performances and the Many Women’s Day Choir Celebrations.

To teach, is to touch a life forever. Billie Louise taught in Axtell, Mart, and Waco, Texas. She educated, touched, and inspired many lives throughout her 26 years of service to these districts. After her retirement, Billie married John Odum Sr.

In her retirement years, Billie was an avid traveler and was a part of many organizations. She went on numerous cruises, traveled to Hawaii, Belize, Mexico, and Europe. Billie was a member of Delta Upsilon Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Paul Quinn Alumni Association, Christian Women Club, and the Retired Teachers of Lake Waco Elementary “Lunch Bunch”. Billie was also an active member of her neighborhood Hollywood Council. Participating in these organizations allowed her to help many people in need.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Frank and Blanche West; her husband Johnny Odum Sr. six brothers, Lance Cpl. Robert West, Tom W. West, Bobby E. West, Frank A. West, Larry C. West and Louis G. West.

Billie leaves to cherish her memory four loving, devoted daughters: Sherri Stanley, Katrina Robinson (Franklin), Demetra Coleman (Alfred) and Denita Odum (Edward). Grandchildren; Amber Dawn Gibson (Wynton), Lauren Nicole Manning (Kenny), Sean Reynolds Odum and Cornelius Gillespie Coleman. Great Grandchildren; Sebastian Michael Manning, Wynter Lanell Manning, and Elijah Thomas Gibson. Her dedicated sister, Delores Scott Vaughn and loving brother, Joe A. West. Two committed nephews; Gary and Kevin Scott, loyal niece, Elvia Scott; and a plethora of extended family and longtime friends.