Odell Johnson

Odell Johnson, daughter of the late Inez Moye and Marcellus Speight, was born on April 19, 1926 in Greene County, North Carolina. The youngest of fourteen children: eight brothers and three sisters proceeded her in death. She went from labor to rest on March 6, 2019 at Sinai Hospital Hospice. She attended Greene County Public Schools. She left North Carolina in 1942 and came to Baltimore. She attended the Apex School for Hair and graduated. She worked at the Noxell Cosmetic Company and was a shirt presser for Regal Laundry Service; she worked there for several years. In 1971, Odell married the love of her life, Robert Johnson, who proceeded her in death. Odell travelled with Robert as an Air Force service wife to Madrid, Spain, California, and New Jersey. They decided to make their home in Pikesville, Maryland. Odell and Robert did not have any biological children, but they do have a god-son, James Askew Jr., who currently lives in Alaska with his family. She joined Camp Field AME Church and became an active member of the church and sang on the chorus until her health began to fail. She was a member of the Martha Grand Chapel Order of Eastern Star for several years. Odell was a person who loved to talk! She especially loved her family! She talked to her niece, Pearl, everyday several times a day about everything. She had daily early morning prayers with her nephew, Bernard and his wife Pearl. She stayed in frequent contact with family in Maryland, North Carolina, Florida, and West Virginia. Odell would call you to talk no matter where you were located. Odell and her sister, Inez (also known as Nell), were very close. They would talk on the telephone for hours (Nell resides at Future Care Nursing Home) about family living in North Carolina, those who had passed away and those good ole times they used to have. Family and friends always knew once you came to her house it was all Odell’s conversation asking all kinds of questions and catching up on everything. Odell loved to watch TV especially, Judge Judy and the Orioles play ball. Odell was a person that did not wait for anyone if she wanted to go somewhere or do something. She was always very determined to find a way. Just about 5 months ago, she traveled by herself to North Carolina on the train to attend her niece’s funeral. Odell leaves to cherish her memory: two sisters, Montee Jennings and Inez Washington; two sisters-in-law, Doris and Essie Johnson; god-son, nieces and nephews from MD, NC, VA, FL, and DC; great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends. Several special friends, Mr. Leon Sanders, Ms. Francine Jefferson, Ms. Rochell, Mrs. April Todd, and Mrs. Whittie Askew of Kansas City, KS.

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Odell Johnson

April 19, 1926 - March 6, 2019