Odelia Ann Parks was born October 5th, 1936, in Tallahassee, Oklahoma, to Henry Shumate and Georgia Inez Gillespie Shumate. She was the eldest of 4 siblings. Odelia was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Parks; daughter, Georgianna Barrett; both parents; sisters, Alener Davis and Walsteen Wright; and her brother, James Shumate.

Odelia grew up in Kansas City, MO. She graduated from Lincoln High School, class of 1955. She enrolled in Switchboard School where she received her certification as a switchboard operator and worked for the local switchboard company.

Later, Odelia worked in the Shipping and Receiving department of Sears and Roebuck Company, in Kansas City, MO for over 30 years. She worked side by side with the Company Buyers to inspect the merchandise before it was placed on the showroom floor for purchasing customers.

Odelia accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized and grew up serving at the Morning Star Baptist Church. Her services included the Welcome Committee, Mission Circle, Choir, and Usher Board. Odelia joined Palestine Missionary Baptist Church of Jesus Christ in the 1970's. She faithfully served as a Sunday School Secretary for the Ladies Bible Class. Then she served as Secretary for the Intermediate Sunday School Department. Odelia was a member of the Senior Choir, Mass Choir, and the PFC Choir. She volunteered to serve on various other committees. In May 2010, Odelia was awarded and recognized as Mother of the Year. She was very dedicated in everything she did.

Odelia leaves her beautiful loving memories and legacy to hold dearly with her two daughters, Rhonda Sutton (Robert) and Allison Parks; 8 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Thoughtful care and services provided by E. S. Eley & Sons Funeral Chapel, Inc.