Odessa M. Tinney

Mrs. Odessa Melva Tinney, of 2104 Bishop St, (formerly of 35 W. Fillmore St,, Apartment 208), Petersburg, Va., departed this life at Southside Regional Medical Center on Thursday, Oct. 9, 2008.

She was born Aug. 28, 1924, in Alabama to the late General and Geraldine Jones. She completed her early education in Alabama and moved to Brownsville, Pa., where she completed high school. Upon graduating from high school, she moved to New York to gain employment and to further her education. Subsequently, she was employed by the City of New York as a social worker, the position from which she retired in 1991 after 39 years of service.

Mrs. Tinney was a member of First Baptist Church, Harrison Street, where she attended until her health rapidly decline in recent weeks.

She was predeceased by her parents; two sister, Ruth Sims and Ruby Davis; one brother General Jones Jr.; two daughters, Beverly and Kimberly Tinney.

She leaves to cherish her memory, three sons, Richard Doyle and Jeffrey Tinney, both of Petersburg, Va., and Michael Doyle (Evelyn) of New York; one daughter, Denise Newton of New York; 14 grandchildren, Michelle, Maya, Kaleb, Bryon, Joy, Jeffrey Jr., Davon, Craig, Steven, Shequitta, Richard Lee, Candace, Russell Jr. and Courtney; 10 great-grandchildren, Icis, Jeffrey III, Brianna, Jareem, Deshanta Jakoris, Jaquan, Ajah, Javia and Jamir; one sister, Geraldine Johns of Pennsylvania; one special daughter, Shelia Mills of Petersburg, Va.; one special granddaughter, Ashley McCoy of Petersburg, Va.; a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Odessa will be remembered for her loving heart for her family and friends.

A special thank you to Dr. Lleama George, the staff of Odyssey Health Care and the staff of Southside Regional Medical Center.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 13, at the funeral establishment, followed by funeral services at 7; the Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Tillman, pastor of First Baptist Church (Harrison Street), officiating. Interment to follow in Ferncliff Cemetery, Hartsdale, N.Y.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mrs. Tinney online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com and where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.