Mrs. Geraldine (Jerry) Musselwhite Odom

Geraldine (Jerry) Musselwhite Odom, Age 88, passed away Friday September 2, 2016 at the SECU Hospice House of Brunswick in Bolivia, NC.  She was born in Bladen County on January 12, 1928.  

She was proceeded in death by her parents Edward and Ella Ruth Musselwhite, her step-mother Ruby Musselwhite; four brothers:  Murray Musselwhite, Mack Musselwhite, Edward Musselwhite, and Baxter Musselwhite, and a sister Joyce Musselwhite Thomas.

She is survived by husband of 71 years, Julian C. Odom of the home, four daughters Ella Ruth Maugans, Rhonda M. Amato, Julia Odom-Rzonca, and Edna O. Perkins.  Grandchildren:  Burton Maugans, DeAnna M. Baldwin, Kristen Adkins, Ashley Ohrenberger, Amy West, and Stephanie Rzonca.  Great grandchildren:  Pierce Maugans, Taylor Baldwin, Michael Baldwin, Jonathan Baldwin, Addison Walters, Jacob DeMoranville, Ben DeMoranville, Max Ohrenberger, and Ella Ohrenberger.  Siblings:  Augusta Britt, Phillip Musselwhite, Camille McLean, and Patricia Davis.  She was aunt, great aunt, cousin, and friend to many who knew her.  

Being a lifelong member of Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in Fayetteville, Jerry served on many committees, participated in numerous projects, led many classes, sang in the adult choir, and served on the organization committee for what is now Snyder’s ministry program “Operation In As Much”.  Jerry and Julian served together on the foreign mission field, spending one year in Ghana, Africa, representing the NC Baptist Men.  With a passion for sewing, her love was shared with every member of her sewing teams through the years.  Jerry was a quilter extraordinaire and that distinction awarded her the honor of being selected as one of the North Carolina Representatives to stitch on the United States 9/11 Flag as it traveled through North Carolina on its journey across the United States.   Throughout the years Jerry served as a swimming instructor for the Red Cross, a Gray Lady at the VA hospital, member of the Cross Creek Garden Club, the Fayetteville Lady Lions, and the Brunswicktown National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.  

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations may be made to Snyder Memorial Baptist Church, 701 Westmont Dr, Fayetteville, NC  28305 or First Baptist Church of Sunset Harbor, 651 Hanover Rd, SE, Bolivia, NC  28422.  

A Celebration of Life service in memory of Jerry will be held Wednesday September 7th, 2016 at 2:00pm at Snyder Memorial Baptist Church in the Sanctuary with Rev John Cook,  Rev. Wayne  Ham,  and Rev Robert Saunders officiating.  Service musicians are Stafford Currin and Mr. and Mr. Bob Haynes.  Visitation prior to the service in the Gathering Hall from 12:45-1:45pm.

The inurnment service will immediately follow at the SMBC Columbarium.


Arrangements have been entrusted to Sullivan’s Highland Funeral Service and Crematory, Inc.