MRS. MYRTLE LAVONNE ODOM

CELEBRATION OF LIFE SERVICES will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 12:00 noon at the Ray of Hope Christian Church, 2779 Snapfinger Road, Decatur, Georgia 30034

Myrtle Lavonne Johnson Odom, affectionately known to many as "Von," was born on

December 4, 1950, in Washington, Georgia. She was the second youngest of eight children

born to the late Albertha Neal Johnson and Clemon Johnson. From an early age, Von was

grounded in faith,family, discipline, and a deep respect for education-values that guided

her life's work and shaped a lasting legacy of excellence and service.

Von attended R. L. Norris High School and later matriculated to Albany State College (now

Albany State University), where she earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Education with a

minor in Accounting in 1972. While in college, she met and courted Benny W. Odom, Jr. The

couple married in 1972 and, although later separated, remained close friends throughout their

lives. From their union was born their most cherished gift, their daughter, Patia Chante' Odom.

Following her graduation, Von relocated to Atlanta, Georgia, where she planted lasting roots

and became a pillar of her community. She devoted her life to education and to uplifting young

people, leaving a legacy defined by compassion, service, and an unwavering commitment

to the success of others.

A lifelong learner, Von continued her academic journey at West Georgia College (now the

University of West Georgia), earning both a Master's Degree and a Specialist Degree in

Education. Her pursuit of advanced education reflected her belief that excellence requires

preparation, growth, and integrity. She later met her lifelong partner, Mitchell Lee Sledge,

affectionately known as "Mitch."

Myrtle Lavonne "Von" Johnson Odom peacefully departed this life on January 15, 2026. She

was preceded in death by her parents, Albertha and Clemon Johnson; her sisters, Dorothy

Taylor, Macy Lewis, and Bettye Dobbs; and her brothers, Henry Johnson, C.J. Johnson, and

Leonard Johnson. Von devoted a remarkable 50 years to the field of education. She spent

the first 36 years as a Business Education teacher and instructional leader, impacting students

at Social Circle High School, Briarwood High School, Russell High School, Tri-Cities High School,

and Creekside High School, from which she retired in 2008. Following retirement, she returned

to service to help open Langston Hughes High School as Parent Liaison, fostering pride and

community in a new school environment.

Never one to stop caring for young people, Von later served with Atlanta Public Schools,

where she was known for accepting long-term substitute assignments to provide consistency

and stability for students. She spent much of this time at B.E.S.T. Academy, Beecher Hills

Elementary, Deerwood Academy, and ultimately concluded her educational journey at her

beloved Therrell High School.

Most notably, Von spent the majority of her career at Tri-Cities High School, where her

influence extended far beyond the classroom. She served as Business Education Department

Chairwoman at Russell High School and Tri-Cities High School, mentoring educators, and

setting high academic standards. At Tri-Cities, she faithfully served as Student Government

Association Advisor, Ambassadors Advisor, Beta Club Advisor, and FBLA Club Advisor.

She was also the founder and advisor of the Ladies of Distinction Club, empowering young

women with confidence, leadership, and purpose. While at Creekside High School she served

as the Work Based Learning Coordinator and FBLA Sponsor.

Demonstrating her commitment to real-world learning, Von established a functioning bank

within the school, teaching students the fundamentals of money management, saving, and

investment, and providing access to opening real bank accounts. She further supported

students by coaching cheerleading, girls' basketball, and girls' volleyball; serving as

scorekeeper for varsity basketball games; and selflessly driving buses for student-athletes to

and from away games-ensuring students were supported, seen, and safe.

Her dedication to Tri-Cities High School extended well beyond her years of service. Von proudly

served on the Tri-Cities High School Alumni Association Advisory Council and, in 2025, was

honored as an Inaugural Inductee into the Tri-Cities High School Legacy Walk, a testament

to her profound and enduring impact. Known for her discipline and high standards, she often

said, "To be early is to be on time, to be on time is to be late, and to be late is not an option."

A woman of service and sisterhood, Von was initiated into Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority,

Incorporated® on February 23, 1985, and remained a devoted member of the Nu Lambda

Omega Chapter throughout her life. She exemplified the sorority's principles of scholarship,

sisterhood, and service and was honored as "Soror of the Year" for her leadership and

dedication. She held numerous chapter positions, chaired committees, and was known for

always showing up and getting the work done-embodying the essence of an Alpha Kappa

Alpha woman.

Beyond education, Von was a Charter and Life Member of the National Council of Negro

Women, Greater Atlanta Section, where she faithfully served as Financial Secretary. In 2022,

she was honored as a Woman of Power in recognition of her leadership and servant's heart.

She was also a member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority.

Von leaves to cherish her beautiful memory her pride and joy, her daughter, Patia Chante'

Odom Sledge; her devoted life partner, Mitchell Lee Sledge, and his son, Antonio Sledge; her

beloved grandchildren, Grayson Benjamin Odom, Rashuanna Sledge, and Jasmine Johnson;

her great grandchildren, Madison Gould, Mikell Senior, and Chyenne Renee Dobbs; her

brother, J.J. (Ernestine) Johnson; sisters-in-law, Blanche W. Johnson, Otheria Sledge and Julia

McLemore (Teddy); and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins,

extended family members, friends, and cherished bonus children who brought joy to her

daily life.

Myrtle "Von" Odom lived a life defined by purpose, dignity, and quiet excellence. Her legacy

is written not only in degrees earned and years taught, but in the countless lives she shaped,

the family she loved fiercely, and the standard of service she set for generations to come.

Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit, lessons, and love will live on forever.