Odetta Coldwell

It's with deep sorrow we announce the passing of Odetta Ralston Colwell, age 97, December 13, 2025, at the home of her daughter Carla Drake in Blairsville, Ga.
She was born July 18, 1928, in Fannin County, Georgia, and lived a rich, fulfilling life.
She graduated from Fannin County High School in 1945. After Graduation, she attended David Lipscomb College in 1946. After high school, she lived with her sister in Atlanta, where she worked at Sears Department Store before marrying Carlton Colwell, September 18, 1948, she married Carlton Colwell at the Blairsville Methodist Church.
Her married life began in Atlanta, Georgia, living in Oglethorpe Apartments around 1952, where she began raising her first three of six children. Carlton, her husband, worked for the General Motors automotive plant in Hapeville and continued until 1958, when he took a job in maintenance for the Georgia Department of Transportation in Union County. A job his father had until his passing the same year.
Before Carlton's transportation job, he started Colwell Construction Company (CCC), becoming full-time in Colwell Construction in 1962. CCC has been in business for 75 years and is still in operation today. Odetta was instrumental in supporting her husband in his dreams and aspirations in all his endeavors. She was by Carlton's side in business and his 30 years as a Georgia State Representative, traveling with him throughout Georgia. Her influence was behind the scenes, but her impact was monumental to her husband's success in business and politics. Since moving to Blairsville in 1958, welcoming 3 more children, Mike, Carla, and Tom, where they all live today, except Mike, who was tragically lost in 1968 in an automobile accident.
In 1990, she opened an ice cream shop called "Dipper Dets" that she operated for several years. She was well known for her famous chick salad, sweet tea, and a variety of ice cream flavors. She lived in Blairsville from 1958 until her passing.
Odetta was a beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, known for her kindness, generosity, and sense of humor. She was quick-witted with one-line phrases, always loving to bring a laugh. She dedicated her life to her Church (Church of Christ), family, and most importantly, to God.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Lee and Mary Ralston; son, Mike Colwell (68'); husband Carlton H Colwell (21'); brothers, Robert Ralston, Winston Ralston, and sisters, Doris Franklin, Lena Caban, Helen Smith, and Jimmie Williams.
She is survived by one sister, Glennda Majors, Lagrange, Georgia.
She is survived by children, Curtis Colwell, Steve Colwell (Phyllis), Doug Colwell (Ronda), Carla Drake (Steve), and Tom Colwell (Carla); grandchildren, Haley Dyer (Scotty), Katie Murdock (Randy), Jade Dennis (David), Luke Colwell (Rebecca), Jake Colwell (Stacy), Ralston Drake, Sawyer Drake, Lane Colwell, Crawford Colwell (Grace), and Candler Colwell; great grandchildren, Sloane Dyer, Jules Dyer, Hunter Murdock, Hallie Dennis, Samantha Colwell, Emmit Colwell, Catherine Colwell, Eliza Colwell, and Grant Colwell.
Odetta's passion in life was her family. She encouraged her boys to play sports and never missed a game of any kind they participated in. She loved Sunday afternoon dinners with all her family after Church. One of her greatest joys was shopping with Carla Drake for everyone for every occasion, from birthdays to Christmas.
Everyone loved Odetta, as the kids called her "Nana," including all the kids she encountered outside her family. Her legacy is one of love, compassion, and faith. All who knew her were touched by her personality and her love for others.
Funeral services were held Tuesday December 16, 2025, at 3 p.m. at the Mountain View Chapel with Minister Jake Colwell and Minister Butch Jones officiating. A eulogy was given by Ralston Drake. Special music will be presented by Marth Davenport.
Pallbearers were Scotty Dyer, Randy Murdock, David Dennis, Luke Colwell, Sawyer Drake, Candler Colwell, Crawford Colwell, and Andrew Collins. Honorary Pallbearers: David Chatam, Lamar Paris, Ray Parson, John Akins, Larry Williams, Ricky Davenport, and Ricky Rich.
Interment followed in the Union Memory Gardens Cemetery where she will rest with her beloved husband Carlton. Flowers are accepted or if you wish, donations may be made to the Macedonia Church of Christ Cemetery Fund, Blue Ridge, Georgia or to the Isaiah House in Mrs. Collwel's memory. The family meet with friends at the funeral home Monday evening from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Mountain View Funeral Home of Blairsville was in charge of the arrangements.
You may sign the family guest book and send condolences online at www.mountainviewfuneralohme.com