Dr. Stephanie Marie Odom

Dr. Stephanie Marie Odom, 39, died at home in Tyler, surrounded by close family and her three loyal pets, on December 5. Stephanie was born March 30, 1979 in Athens to Leonard Bruce Odom and Karla Becker Odom. She graduated from Athens High School in 1997. She obtained her bachelor's degree from Austin College in Sherman, and her master's degree and Ph.D. from the University of Texas in Austin. She was an Assistant Professor of Rhetoric at the University of Texas at Tyler. She married her husband, Gary Zeiger in 2016. Stephanie was an inspiration to her students, colleagues, family and friends, locally and globally. Through her life Stephanie celebrated the differences that make us unique, and she had a rare ability to see and bring out the best in those around her. Stephanie was an active Democrat, and worked tirelessly for equal rights for all. Her interests included karaoke, song, dance, social issues, the outdoors, and many more. Stephanie had a hearty laugh and beautiful smile. She was the kindest, most compassionate person we will ever know. Stephanie leaves behind her mother, Karla, sister Hilary Odom, and husband Gary, as well as her grandfather A.J. Becker, grandmother Vivian Odom, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Her father, Bruce, sadly passed away in 2013. A memorial for Stephanie will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, December 15, at Burks Walker Tippit Funeral Home, 215 E. Front St., Tyler. There will be a gathering for family and friends at 5 p.m. in Tyler. Location details will be given at the memorial.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, gifts may be made in Stephanie's name to Metavivor.org or the SPCA of Texas.