Billie Blanche Odum

BILLIE BLANCHE ODUM, affectionately called Mother O, began her mission on March 27, 1935, in Ansley, La. to the union of Bennie and Willie Cobin. The family moved to El Dorado, Ark. early in Blanche's life. Blanche was educated in the public schools in El Dorado, Ark., graduating from Washington High School. She confessed Jesus as her Lord and Savior at an early age at Triumph, The Redeemer and Believer Church of Christ under the pastorate of Bishop Sam Scott. After moving to Little Rock, Blanche was united in marriage to James L. Odum. To this union was born one daughter, Lisa. Blanche worked for 36 years for the University of Arkansas Medical Science system in numerous clerical positions, including but not limited to Ward Clerk, Secretary I and II, and Lead Clerk. Her service includes patronage to Dr. Bob Arrington, Dr. J.O. Cooper, and Dr. Paul Fiser. She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star. Mother O fellowshipped with other churches before finding exactly what vineyard the Father desired for her to work, Greater Second Baptist Church, then under the pastorate of Dr. Curtis Ridout. Her service at GSBC includes serving in/as a Sunday School teacher, Starlight Club, President of the Mother's Board, President of the Women's Ministry, Financial Secretary, Church Secretary, and Pastor's Secretary. Mother O also instituted the first Girl Scout Troop at GSBC, Troop no. 544. Mother O had an undeniable interest in enriching the lives of others by helping them be the best that they could be. Mother O worked intricately with the Little Rock Public School District's Parent Advisory Council Title 1 program in the 1980's as a role model for the parents. Mother O entered Heaven's gate on Sept. 24, 2013. Preceding Mother O in transition are her mother and father, Bennie and Willie Cobin; two sisters, Ruth Malone and Jean Isabel; two nephews; one niece, and one great nephew. Continuing to cherish Mother O's legacy are a loving daughter, Lisa (Rodney) Randolph; two grandchildren, Aleah and Christopher; a special "niece-daughter", Barbara (Larry) Brown; four brothers, Ben (Jan) Cobin, Alpha Ray (Kathy) Cobin, Lavent Cobin, and Leo Cobin; two sisters, Clara Cobin and Gwendolyn Cobin; 10 nieces; three nephews; 17 great-neices; 23 great-nephews; 14 great-great nieces; nine great-great nephews; two great-great-great nephews; a host of cousins, relatives, The Ridout Family, The Colclough Family, Sis. Opal Dean, Leach Chapel CME Church family, and, her beloved, Greater Second Baptist Church family. Family hour: 5:30-7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Funeral Service: 12 noon Thursday, Oct. 3, both to be held at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5615 Geyer Springs. Rd., Little Rock, Pastor David Featherstone, Eulogist. Services entrusted to Robinson Mortuary, 1201 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr., Little Rock (501) 371-0111. Sign online guestbook at www.robinsonmortuary.com "Service You Can Trust."