Odessa Cassimere

Obituary of the late Sister Odessa Margarite Cassimere - November 1, 1933-November 28,2025

Odessa was the third child, second daughter, born to the union of the late Raphael Cassimere, Sr. and the late Estelle Elam Cassimere. "Duts" as she was affectionately known attended Macarty Elementary, Joseph S. Clark High, and was a proud graduate of McDonogh #35 High School. She pursued further studies at Southern University at New Orleans. Odessa held a variety of jobs including sales cashier at Freitag's Bakery and custodian for LSU Medical Center from which she retired in 1999.

Sister Cassimere was a life-long member of New Orleans's Lower Ninth Ward until 2005, when Hurricane Katrina forced her relocation to Baton Rouge. She returned to New Orleans as a resident of Lafon Nursing Home in 2017 where she remained until her passing.

As the second oldest daughter she played a major role in helping her younger siblings and nieces and nephews reach maturity. She listened as they recited their “time tables” and spelling lists. She organized impromptu civic games which helped them learn the names of U.S. Presidents, state capitals and prominent leaders, especially African American leaders, both local and national.

Odessa avidly baked cakes to celebrate birthdays and other holidays. As a young adult she loved to attend civic and political meetings. She had a very active civic life; membership in the NAACP, 9th Ward Civic and Voters' League where she participated in voter registration and get out the vote drives. She remained an active registered voter for nearly 70 years!

Odessa was baptized at the Third Church of God in Christ in 1945 at the tender age of 11. She was a member of this church until her passing. She had served in multiple church organizations including Sunday School, Bible Band, Senior Choir, the Senior Mothers Board, and as finance group captain.

Odessa never married and remained home to help care for aging parents. Indeed, she was the sole child who was present when her mother passed away. Preceding her in death were her parents, siblings, Olander S. (Alphathada) Cassimere, Sr., Helen Rose Cassimere Cook, and Edith Mae Cassimere Ballard. Mourning her passing but rejoicing in her home going; are siblings: Leona Cassimere (Eddie) Pitts, Daniel N. (Gloria) Cassimere, Sr., Raphael (Inez) Cassimere, Lois Cassimere Camese.

Funeral Services will be held at Charbonnet - Labat Funeral Home on Saturday, December 13, 2025 with visitation at 12:00 pm and service at 1:00 pm.

Charbonnet - Labat Funeral Home
1615 St. Philip St.
New Orleans, Louisiana 70116