JOYCE ANN 'ODIE' MOORE ODEM

YOAKUM - Joyce Ann Moore Odem, "Odie," 87, was born in Yoakum, Texas on March 22, 1930 to the late Thomas Davis Moore and Genevieve "Jinks" Quota Moore. She died on Monday, April 17th, 2017. She was preceded in death by her husband, Brian S. Odem.

She is survived by two daughters, Bernadette Bone and Meghan (Terry) Newman of Memphis, TN. Joyce is survived by 4 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, Genre (Ashley) Bone, Cody (Carter) Giovannetti, Carley (Joseph) Bergdoll, and Lewis Newman.

Her paternal great-grandparents were among the "Old Three Hundred," a renowned group of 300 pioneer families who established a colony in 1828, and traveled from Pennsylvania and Montana with Stephen F. Austin. Her maternal great-grandparents came to Texas with Don Martin De Leon's colony and settled on Clark's Creek in southeast Texas where they were killed by Comanche Indians while preparing to join the Runaway Scrape. 

Often a person is described as unforgettable, but every now and then, someone comes along who truly is colorful enough to remember. Joyce left an impression with everyone that she met. Vibrant, animated, and known to be sassy, she was radiant in life. She always sympathized with the underdog and was a very generous woman—she once bought dentures for a neighbor in need. A light has been extinguished in the lives of those who loved her and in those whom she loved so faithfully and dearly. 

Anyone who knew Joyce could see she was an amazing person. Joyce was Texas down to the core and was born from "pioneer stock," which made her a strong Texas woman. She loved Texas history and took classes throughout adulthood. Her heart never left Texas, where she lived her entire life until moving to Tennessee in 2007 to be near her two daughters. She really hated to leave the Lone Star state as she was extremely proud of her Texas ancestry, as she was a 4th generation Texan.

While a student a Yoakum High School, she was the drum major of the YHS Marching Band. She attended college at Texas A&I in Kingsville. She enjoyed performing in theatre during high school, college and as an adult. Joyce traveled to many countries, including Medjugorje, Ireland, Greece, Italy, and Australia, and all over the United States, as well. Joyce also enjoyed reading and riding horses, when she was younger. She once rode a Texas Longhorn at the Houston Fat Stock Show & Rodeo. 

The family wishes to thank her many friends for their kindness shown to their Mother through the years. In lieu of flowers or memorial gifts, we ask that you give a gift to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 401 Orth Street, Yoakum TX, 77995. Donations may also be made to St. Ann Catholic Church, 6529 Stage Road, Bartlett TN, 38134.

A private family memorial and wake is planned for a date yet to be determined.