Mattie Morris Odems

Mattie Morris Hunter Odems Life's Journey

"May the work I've done, speak for me. When I'm resting in my grave,

There is nothing that can be said. May the work I've done speak for me."

Mattie Morris Hunter Odems was born February 5, 1949 in Marble Falls, Texas to

the parents of Albert Hunter, Sr., and Berniece Gage Hunter. She was the second

child of four children. Her siblings were Albert Hunter, Jr. (deceased), Fannie Mae

Conley (Killeen, Texas), and Leander Hunter (deceased). She was chosen to carry

the family legacy by being affectionally named after her parental and maternal

grandmothers who were both named Mattie.

Mattie Odems attended Colored Normal George Washington Carver Elementary

School in Marble Falls, Texas. It was a one-room facility where one teacher

instructed children in grades first through eighth grades. African American

Students who wished to continue their education had to leave Marble Falls, Texas

and come to Austin, Texas to go to high school. Mattie's parents desired a better

life and opportunity for her, sending Mattie to Austin, Texas to complete her

secondary education. She attended H.T. Kealing Junior High (currently known as

Kealing Middle School) and the original L.C. Anderson High School of Austin,

Texas. In 1967 Mattie enrolled at Huston-Tillotson College (now known as Huston-

Tillotson University) in Austin, Texas where she received her Bachelor of

Education in 1970.

On August 5, 1970 she was united in marriage to Bill R. Odems. This special date

was the wish of her maternal grandmother (Mattie Morris Shelby) who wanted

the couple to marry on her birthday. This union blessed the couple with two

children, Cedric Odems and Joy Watkins.

In the fall of 1970, Mattie began her lifelong calling of becoming an educator as a

Teacher's Assistant for the Austin Independent School District at St. Elmo

Elementary School. After completing her teacher's certification in 1974, she

continued her educational journey as a Special Education Teacher and Instructor

at Dawson Elementary School. Mattie shared her love, her passion, her patience

and inspiration with the students, parents, faculty and staff. Even after her 25 years of service and retired from Austin ISD, Mattie was sought out for assistance

and her expertise from former parents, faculty members and friends for special

educational guidance.

Mattie Odems loved God and was a dedicated and faithful servant throughout

her life. As a child she accepted Jesus Christ into her life at the St. Frederick

Baptist Church of Marble Falls, Texas. Upon moving to Austin, Texas to attend

college she united with the Mount Olive Baptist Church and remained an active

member and servant until her heavenly call to rest. She was a member of the

Junior Women Society, then a member of Senior Mission II where she served a

tenure as President and later became an active member of Senior Mission I.

Mattie was a longtime member of the Mount Olive Music Ministry, lending her

soprano voice to the Chapel Choir and Mission Chorus. In the early 2000s She and

her husband (Reverend Bill Odems) served as the first leaders of the newly

formed Mount Olive Marriage Ministry. Through this ministry she was

instrumental in developed marriage retreats, couple's anniversary celebrations,

special travel events as well as providing guidance and counseling to new couples.

Her love for God, His word and His work illuminated throughout her Christian

journey.

On Tuesday, September 9, 2025 at 7:58 am Mattie, the precious daughter, sister,

devoted and loving wife, mother, grandmother cousin, aunt, Christian, friend, and

servant of God, took her flight to Heaven's door and enter her eternal rest.

Leaving a legacy of how to love, live, give and be an example to everyone she

encountered or were told of her life's journey.

Mattie Morris Hunter Odems leaves to cherish her memories, her husband of 55

years, Reverend Bill R. Odems. Sister: Fannie Mae Conley (Killeen, Texas), Two

Children: Cedric Odems (Austin, Texas) and Joy Watkins (Houston, Texas);

Grandchildren: Tiana Truter, Elijahwan Odems (Crystal), Cedriana Odems, Jaynia

Odems (all of Austin, Texas) and Tyrah Watkins (Houston, Texas). Great

Grandchildren: Lilliana Kinzle and Davuntae' Odems (Austin, Texas) and a host of

cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and loving friends.

"When I stand before my God, I want to hear Him say, "well done,"

May the life I live speak for me."

by S. Pugh