Betty L. “Bid” Odom of Water Valley died peacefully on January 28th, 2022 at the age of 84 surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest.
Betty was born on June 10th 1937 in Camden, Mississippi to Anthony B. and Merle Cauthen Linn. Born the fourth of five children, her childhood was spent on the family farm and in her father’s general store in Camden. In 1954 she graduated from Holmes County Agricultural High School and began working as a nurse’s aide in Lexington, MS. A case of tonsillitis brought a young man named Wallace to the very same hospital and in 1956 they secretly left for the county fair and returned husband and wife. As their family grew, Wallace’s career with the Illinois Central Railroad took them to Hammond, LA and Lake, MS, ultimately settling in Water Valley in 1970. After working as a nurse’s aide at Yalobusha General Hospital, Betty began a career at the former Holley Automotive. She retired from Borg Warner in 2002 after more than 30 years of service to the company.
Betty’s tidiness was legendary and her grandchildren are convinced that if ever there was a “floor clean enough to eat off of”, it was hers. She was the very definition of a “green thumb” and possessed a remarkable ability to grow just about anything. She loved being among nature and spent countless hours working in her yard and bird watching. Never one to say no to a challenge, after retirement she participated in numerous 5K races with family members that could barely keep up. At her retirement celebration Betty was described as the model of hard-work and dedication, but her true passion and devotion was to her family and to God. Her home was the destination for many family gatherings and the source of countless wonderful memories among those fortunate enough to call her “Babe”. Though we feel grief at her passing we take comfort in the knowledge that her tenacity, grace, and wit will live on in the hearts of untold generations to come.
A private memorial service and burial will be held for family.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Wallace Herbert (Pooh) Odom , Sr., a son,
Danny Glynn, her parents Anthony B. and Merle (Big Nana) Linn, and 3 of her 4 siblings (Virginia,
Martha, and David). She is survived by a son, Wallace “Chip” Odom, Jr. (Cathy) and two daughters,
Cheryl (Wayne) Harris and Lisa (Larry Wayne) Kimzey, a brother Anthony B. Linn of Tuscaloosa, 6
grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren, all that loved her very much.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Yalobusha County Nursing Home Activity Fund,
P.O. Box 728, Water Valley, MS 38965.
