Longtime Gettysburg resident and former Executive Director of South Central Community Action Programs, Inc. Jean Odom has died. Odom served on many community boards and was a well-known community stalwart and leader.
Odom was a graduate of Gettysburg High School and received an honorary doctorate from Gettysburg College in 1998 in recognition of her service to, and impact on, the local community.
Odom changed the lives of many people in the area and her positive impact on the community will be felt for generations. She made every individual with whom she interacted the center of her attention, and her life’s mission was giving people a chance to better their lives.
Odom was predeceased by her parents David A. Jones and Elsie N. (Thomas) Jones; sister Ann (Jones) Lipscomb; three brothers–David Jones, James Jones, and William H. Jones, Sr, and long-time partner Robert A. Tasker. She is survived by daughter Shelley L. Jones-Hawkins and husband James of Hanover, MD; daughter Lori A. Odom with whom she lived in Gettysburg, son Darryl W. Jones and wife Betty Landis of Silver Spring, MD, a grandson Brandon W. Beach of San Francisco, CA, great-grandson Brandon W. Beach Jr., and a number of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She also welcomed many honorary sons, daughters, nieces, and nephews among her beloved as well. She was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Zion Church of Gettysburg, and St. James Lutheran Church of Gettysburg.
A service celebrating her life will be held on March 5th, with family receiving visitors from 9:00-11:00am, and a service at 11:00am at St. James Lutheran Church in Gettysburg with Rev. Andrew Geib, officiating. Interment will follow the service in the Evergreen Cemetery, Gettysburg. Online tributes and condolences can be made at monahanfuneralhome.com.
I have known Jean since highschool when we worked together in the dietary dept at the hospital. We have remained good friends and were always happy to see each other when we met. I have not had recent contact with her and am so thankful for this artical. She was a true community servant. I will always be grateful for both her and her sister Ann. Rest in peace, my friend
Thanks for this article. I only met her once, but was immediately struck by Jean Odom’s joyful “can do” attitude; she was a great example for all. Your article reminded me of this, so have given a small donation (wishing it could be bigger) to SCCAP of Gettysburg. Thanks again.