Carnetta Odom

Obituary
Carnetta Smith Odom peacefully entered her eternal rest on Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Carnetta was preceded in death by her parents Dempsey Smith and Clara Smith, a sister Dempsey Lee Childs and three brothers: Robert Smith, Calvin Smith, and Johnny Smith.
Carnetta was born January 2, 1932, in Pensacola, Florida and was baptized at Sixth Avenue Baptist Church at an early age. She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1949. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education at Alabama State University in Montgomery, Alabama in 1954.
Carnetta married James Odom Jr. and had two sons Reginald and Gerald Odom.
In 1957 she moved to Deland, Florida and joined Greater Union First Baptist Church. There at Greater Union she was active as a Trustee; President of the Mission Ministry, as a faithful Mission worker, she received Mission Worker of the Year Award, Volunteered to tutor for Reading/and several Youth Programs, Organized Senior Fellowship Luncheon, and created the food pantry; President of the Inspirational Choir; Advisory Ministry; Sunday School teacher as well as Vacation Bible School Coordinator. Carnetta also represented Greater Union as a Delegate to the Mt. Zion District Association, Florida General Baptist Convention for more than 60 years. She worked faithfully as a local President, a Vice-President to the Northend Women's Auxiliary, Devotional Leader, Past Musician, Massey-James Youth Camp Instructor and served over 25 years as Finance Clerk/Treasure to the District Women's Auxiliary, She also served as the Chairperson for Annual Golden Harvest and as a member of the Queen's' Revue Planning Committee, and as an Advisor to the Younger Women' s Component. She often lent her craftsmanship and Culinary skills to Hostessing events for our Church and Convention. At the State and National Levels she worked with the Local Presidents' Department. She was also a consistent donor for Benevolent Causes, Foreign Mission, Prison Ministry, and Florida Memorial College/University.
She also began her employment with Volusia County Schools as a Teacher in Elementary Education and retired after 32 years. Over 60 years ago, Carnetta and several other young women, founded the Electrolytes Charity Club Inc. The Club's primary focus was to raise funds for the social needs of Northwest Volusia County. Today members have given away thousands of dollars in scholarships and have organized community celebrations and charitable activities.
She was also a member Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Tau Chi Omega Chapter. Her hobbies, over the years, include crafting, crocheting and word puzzles.
Carnetta leaves to cherish her memory two sons Reginald Odom (Margaret), Gerald Odom (Paula) of Deland, three grandchildren, Shaniqua Mussa, Reginald Odom II and Gerald Odom II, nephew Johnny Smith, nieces Gwen Smith, Gloria Gordon and Calvin Smith, cousins Dr, Joanne Pinkston -McDuffie(Leroy ), Anthony Tidwell, Robbye Gould. Angela Cooper and Patricia Thomas, five Great Grandchildren and two Great Great Granddaughters. She also leaves nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of loving friends who will miss her greatly.
Ivy Beyond the Wall services will be held by Tau Chi Omega Chapter, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., on August 12, 2025, 6:00 p.m. at J.E. Cusack Mortuary in Deland, FL.