Montie Beth Mead Odom

Montie Mead Odom, lifelong resident of Abilene, died Friday, September 18, 2009 after 90 active years. Visitation will be held from 2:00 to 3:30 pm today, September 20, 2009, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road. All are welcome to attend a memorial celebration of her life at 11:00 am Monday, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church following a private family burial at Elmwood Memorial Park. Born Montie Beth Ward May 20, 1919 in Abilene, to Montie Edmonds and Louis T. Ward, she graduated from Abilene High School in 1936 where she was a member of the National Honor Society. She earned a bachelor's degree in Music and Business Education from McMurry College in 1940 where she was a member of Alpha Chi, Wah Wahtaysee Drum and Bugle Corps, Chanters, and T.I.P. Sorority. Montie Beth married Bob Mead of Mead's Bakery in 1940, with whom she had four daughters, Melinda, Beth, Susan and Marilyn. Montie and Bob were married 24 years until his death in 1964. In 1969 Montie married Olin Odom. They were married 12 years until she was widowed in 1981. She is also predeceased by her dear brother Louis T. Ward Jr. of Lubbock and twin sisters Dorothy Terbush and Doris Presswood of Abilene. Montie was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and was active in United Methodist Women, holding many offices including president for two terms. She played in the bell choir and retired from alto singing after 60 years in church choirs. Montie's life was rich with her talented artistic pursuits including sewing, knitting, needlepoint, quilting, hat making, miniature furniture making, and china painting. She won many blue ribbons for entries through the years in the West Texas State Fair. As an enthusiastic member of Big Country Porcelain Club, West Texas Porcelain Club, and Abilene Quilt Club, Montie held many offices. She was president two years of each club. For the past six years, she has been well loved by residents and staff at Royal Estates, where she rediscovered her early passion for bridge and other table games, read an average of five books a week, and completed many jigsaw and cross-word puzzles. Her intelligence, beauty, and entertaining humor were evident her entire 90 years. She was inspiring for her adventurousness, curiosity and love of learning. Her ability to adapt to changes and let go of the past was a role model for everyone who loved her. During her short two week illness, she taught her family and friends how to live, embracing the present by letting go of the past and not being afraid to move into the future. Her humor and acceptance of the present filled her survivors with peace and love. Montie is survived by four daughters and sons-in-law: Melinda and Johnny Ager of Devers; Beth Mead and Lyndon Laminack of Wilmington, DE; Susan and Richard Powell of Crosby; and Marilyn and Jerry Goins of Cove. In addition, she is survived by a nephew-like-a-son, Ed Terbush, and wife Leslie and sons Lee and Jason and their families, all of Abilene; and two step-sons, Olin Odom III of Cisco and Clark Odom of Dallas and their families. She is also survived by four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and a special step-granddaughter: Woody Barton, wife Gini, and children Mindi and Bobby of Silsbee; Ardith Barton, husband Frank, and children Haley and Aden of Denver, CO; Evelyn Laminack of Seattle, WA; Ashley Mead and son Lane Trail of Cove; and Julie Sphar, husband Tim, and children Jonathan and Lauren of Fort Worth. Other survivors include three nephews and two nieces: Clarence Presswood of Abilene, Louis Ward of Plano; Lee Presswood of Snyder; Sharon Lam of Wichita Falls; and Gail Killough of Abilene and their families; as well as numerous step-grandchildren and step-great grandchildren. Memorials may be made to the music library or church library of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1741 Sayles Blvd., Abilene, Texas 79605; or to any church library or charity of your choice.