Idabell Lewis Oden

In Loving Memory of Idabell Lewis Oden
Sunrise: October 20, 1946 – Sunset: July 14, 2025
Idabell (Ida) Lewis Oden was born on October 20, 1946, alongside her twin sister, the late Isabelle Lewis Tyson, to parents, the late Isabelle Ashley Lewis and Rev. James Lewis Sr., in the close-knit Oakdale neighborhood of Algiers, New Orleans. She developed deep, lasting relationships with both friends and family that endured throughout her life.
She shared close bonds with her siblings: Hilder Scott (Bill), James Lewis Jr., Leola Grace Lewis, Myrtle Lewis, and the late Murphy Lewis (Delores Lewis). She was a devoted and loving aunt to LaJeanne Samuel, Chalise Nash, Korianna Lewis, Raymond Tyson, Jonathan Lewis, Asanté Pitts, and the late Tyrone Pitts.
Idabell attended McDonogh #32 Elementary and was a proud graduate of L.B. Landry High School, Class of 1964. After graduation, she joined the Job Corps in Washington, D.C., where she met her former husband, Johnny Oden Sr. She later returned to New Orleans to care for her family and continue her lifelong neighborhood connections. She retired from the Port of New Orleans in 2010 as a bridge operator–a job she proclaimed was the best she ever had.
A lifelong member of Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Idabell's faith was central to her life. Her home was a place of worship, celebration, and comfort–where family and friends always felt welcome. Her legendary cooking filled both hearts and stomachs, with gumbo, red beans, New Year's eggnog, and sweet potato pies shared over stories, laughter, and even fireworks.
Beyond her home, Ida stood strong in the face of adversity, meeting challenges at work and within her community with resilience. She spent over three decades preserving her family's legacy and heritage in Old Algiers, holding fast to the values and memories rooted in her neighborhood.
Ida departed this life on July 14, 2025, at the age of 78, in the home she cherished for 53 years. Her passing was sudden and tragic, as smoke inhalation from a house fire claimed both her life and the family home. Despite the valiant efforts of first responders, Idabell could not be revived. Yet even in loss, her strength, warmth, and spirit live on–etched into the lives of those she touched.
Idabell devoted her life to caring for others. As a daughter, she selflessly cared for her aging parents and grandmother. As a mother, she poured her heart into raising her four children: the late Marquis Carlton Oden (Trudy Drayton Oden), Johnny C. Oden Jr., Tara Oden Towa (René Towa), and Alecia Oden. Her love extended boundlessly to her ten grandchildren: Sierra Oden, Diamond Oden, Marques Oden, Dominique Oden, Diarra Oden, Decarri Oden, Rolandis Robertson, Aria Robertson, and DJ Julian Oubre–each of whom brought her immeasurable joy and pride.
She was preceded in death by her grandmother–Clementine Bonds; her parents–Isabelle Ashley Lewis and Rev. James Lewis Sr.; her twin sister–Isabelle Lewis Tyson; her son–Marquis Carlton Oden; her brother–Murphy Lewis; and her beloved nephew–Tyrone Pitts.
She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love, resilience, and devotion–one that continues through her children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and lifelong friends.
We take comfort in knowing that our mom has returned to the arms of her loved ones in heaven and rests peacefully in God's eternal care.
Family and friends are invited to the Homegoing Celebration on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at 12:00 PM, at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, 1249 LeBoeuf Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.
Repast and Second Line to follow.
Professional Arrangements are entrusted to Murray Henderson Funeral Home, 1209 Teche Street, New Orleans, LA 70114.
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