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Brain tumor claims Methodist pastorBy CRAIG BASSE, Times Obituaries Editor© St. Petersburg Times published December 5, 2002 ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rev. Barbara H. Odom, pastor of Lakewood United Methodist Church, died Wednesday (Dec. 4, 2002) at Tampa General Hospital. The Rev. Odom, 50, had been undergoing radiation treatments for a cancerous brain tumor that was diagnosed last summer. "She was a strong, committed and devoted Christian," said the Rev. Kevin M. James, superintendent for the St. Petersburg District of the United Methodist Church. It was James who hurriedly gathered more than 200 people to pray for the Rev. Odom on an August evening. Among them were members of her church at 5995 Dr. M.L. King (Ninth) St. S, other United Methodist pastors and people of other faiths. When she heard of the service, the Rev. Odom said she was overwhelmed by emotion. "I was so thankful and so grateful that I am a part of the body of Christ that would run to your aid and support you when you need it," she said. Her tenure at Lakewood was her second at the racially mixed Pinellas Point congregation. She was first appointed associate pastor in December 1993. "I feel my position is a divine appointment," she said at the time. "I believe that Lakewood has made a decision to let the community know that it is open not only to other races but in allowing women to take leadership roles in their community." Half a dozen years later, after serving as associate pastor at Trinity United Methodist Church in the Harbordale neighborhood, she returned as head pastor of Lakewood. Survivors include her husband of 32 years, Donald R. Sr.; two daughters, Donita Moody and Barbara Asha Odom, and a son, Donald Jr., all of St. Petersburg; her mother, Daisy Mae Hill, St. Petersburg; three sisters, Deborah Hill, Mary Collins and Linda Hill, all of St. Petersburg; and two brothers, Arnold Hill, St. Petersburg, and Robert Hill, Austin, Texas. Friends may call from 3 to 8 p.m. Dec. 10 at Creal Funeral Home, 1940 Seventh Ave. S. A funeral will be at 11 a.m. Dec. 11 at the church. The family suggests memorial contributions to a scholarship fund in her name for divinity students, in care of the St. Petersburg District of the United Methodist Church, 1543 S Highland Ave., No. 297, Clearwater, FL 33756. -- Information from Times files was used in this obituary.
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From the Times South Pinellas desks |
