Odie Bell Willson

Odie Bell Willson, 92, passed away Friday, March 15, 2019 in Abilene, Texas.

Born in Clyde, Texas on July 28, 1926, Odie was the daughter of the late Gelora (Blanks) and George Lewis Davis, and was raised in Denton Valley.  She married Roy Weldon Willson on September 14, 1947.  He preceded her in death in October 5, 1984.  

A resident of Abilene for 65 years, she was a member of Wylie Baptist Church and previously a member of Pioneer Drive Baptist Church.  She was a lunchroom supervisor for both Wylie ISD and Abilene ISD from which she retired.  She was a member of Texas Retired Teachers Association, an avid Bridge player, and enjoyed quilting and crocheting.  Odie enjoyed retirement by touring the country on several Bilbrey tours and cruises.

In addition to her parents and husband, Odie was also preceded in death by two great granddaughters, Teagyn Wood and Olivia Tinney; five brothers, Harlen, Herman, Vernon, Carl and her twin, Odell.

Odie is survived by two daughters, Gelora Farr and husband Larry of Abilene, and Lavell Hancock and husband Robert Alan of View; eight grandchildren, Robert Lewis Hancock, Michelle Ruiz, Christopher Hancock, Angela Tinney, Duane Farr, Ginger Wood, Barry Hancock and Wendy Hill; 15 great grandchildren; sister-in-law, Gloria Marler of Goldthwaite, as well as several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great-great nieces and nephews.   

Visitation will be 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 17, at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road, Abilene.   Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Monday, March 18, at the chapel of The Hamil Family Funeral Home, officiated by Dr. Jeff Reid and Rev. Mike Harkrider.  Interment will follow in Elmwood Memorial Park.

Serving as pallbearers will be Barry Hancock, Robert Lewis Hancock, Christopher Hancock, Duane Farr, Jeff Tinney and Wes Wood.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials in Odie’s name be made to West Texas Rehab Hospice of the Big Country, 4601 Hartford, Abilene, TX 79605, or to the donor’s favorite charity.