Obituary of Apostle Charlie Odom
Please share a memory of Apostle Charlie to include in a keepsake book for family and friends.
Apostle Charlie Odom
“The Impact Man”
Who knew that on December 20, 1940, in Statesboro Georgia, a man by the name of Charlie Odoms would be born to the late Mr. James “Shine” and Mrs. Bessie Odom. The 4th child of 6 children growing up in the Clayhills of Statesboro, Georgia; Apostle knows Southern Hospitality! Apostle loved football and was an avid football player while in high school, He traveled the Tri State with his grandson Marquis J Garnett to every game, whether It was football or basketball. He met some really awesome people traveling and they would always look for Pop Pop Odom! Charlie would grow up and take the world by storm. He would often love telling stories about his childhood, and his BC “Before Christ” days. More importantly he loved to share that God is a God of multi chances, and how God transformed his life, from being a Gangster in the Streets to becoming a Gangster for the Lord. Charlie used his life story to Impact others to transform their lives, and follow Christ, and do the right thing. This is how he became the IMPACT MAN.
His Queen:
Charlie and Jannie “My Queen” as he affectionately called his wife. They were truly inseparable. Going everywhere together. There union was special and truly blessed. Apostle Odom was married to Missionary Jannie Odom for 43 years & with this joined union they have 11 Children, 40 plus grandchildren, and a host of great grand children.
Mr. Odom:
J. Odom’s Hauling & Odom’s Light Hauling was the names of Apostle Odom’s beloved business’ before he retired. He touched many lives through his business, helping people, all over the United States of America in his “BIG BLUE Million Dollar Dump Truck” .
Family Man:
Apostle loved his Family. Apostle loved to cook, he and Lady Odom would cook together often. Some of Apostles favorite things to cook was fried chicken, pig feet, potato salad, corn bread, rice and gravy, and smothered pork chops were some of His specialties. A Can of soda and a slice of cake always sealed the meal! Sunday Dinners were a Big deal at the “Odom Ranch” . He always made sure he was their for his family, affectionately called Pop, Pop Pop & Grand Daddy. He had a unique way to spread His Love and connect with Everyone. If he could move mountains for his family, he did. One of the favorite Moments that we all laugh at is when his grand daughter Mikayla B Garnett pranked Pop Pop with the Cinnamon Challenge, the video went viral. We laughed so hard!
Ministry & The Church:
Apostle Odom, was called to the Ministry in 1972, Receiving A Theological degree from Calvary Grace Bible Institute, and being ordained in 1974 as an Evangelist. In 1976 Apostle Odom was ordained and licensed as a Elder. In 1983, He served as the District Evangelist for the Rescue Church of God. Throughout the years, he also served on the Prison Ministry. For many years, Apostle Odom served under the leadership of the late Bishop King E Burnett, Vineland New Jersey. Moving further in ministry he served the late Rev. Sydney J Mills, the late Pastor Eddie Grace, both of First Baptist Church of Chesilhurst. Apostle Odom was later installed as the Pastor by Bishop James Washington of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Apostle Charlie Odom served as the Head Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Chesilhurst for 12 years. During his leadership, Apostle & his wife Missionary Jannie Odom noticed a need in the community of Chesilhurst, and the surrounding areas. To help address the problem they started the Corner Cupboard Food Pantry & Corner Closet. Currently this ministry has fed over 20,000 families, which was been recognized by the State of New Jersey, Camden County Freeholders, for their outstanding community service.
The Impact Man, Apostle Charlie & Lady Odom still remained faithful serving this Great Historical Church, First Baptist Church of Chesilhurst. Preaching and spreading the love of God, reminding us to be like a “Tree Planted by the Rivers of Water” or asking us His Famous question “Am I Right About it ?” , and always letting us know he’s in a “Win Win Situation”. Sunday school was one of Apostle’s favorites! They loved discussing the Bible, and whats happening in the world today. And of course singing HIS favorite songs, One more Time, Trouble in my way, and His Famous Song, I gotta Pain in my side Lordy! Lets not forget He was also a Recording Artist; and he says Jamila still never paid Him for singing the Hit song "In Your Presence".
In 2012, they passed the mantle to their daughter the Rev. Dr. Jamila Odom-Garnett Bremmer, who has served as the First Female Head Pastor, and will continue to carry the torch as Apostle Charlie would have wanted. This Past January 2020 Charlie celebrated at the Mayors Ball . He was so proud of his baby girl being the Mayor of Chesilhurst Borough. He gathered all the family from far and near and we all danced in celebration. He was so proud of all of his children and grand children; he loved sharing stories about them all. On December 20, 2020 Charlie Celebrated his 80th Birthday with a Beautiful zoom and conference call Party, Car Drive By, and a Street was dedicated in He & Lady Odom’s name. A Proclamation was given by the Camden County Freeholders(Commissioners). He was filled with so much JOY. He would say if you don’t have JOY LEAP for it! On December 24, 2020, Charlie went to sleep, God called Charlie home and told Him it was time for him to take His rest. Job Extremely Well Done Charlie.
Apostle Charlie Odom leaves his legacy and memories to, His Queen, wife, Missionary Jannie Odom, four daughters, Mayor Jamila Odom Garnett Bremmer (Delvardo), Ms. Dawn Odom, Mrs. Janet Beckwith (Bruce), Ms. Ammy White, Seven sons,Terry McNair, Charles Tony Odom (Deneen), Damon Odom, Gary Medley, Jospeh Medley, Jeffrey Medley, Gregory Medley (Joyce). Siblings, Preceded in death two brothers and one sister, Billy Moore, Willie Nunnelly (Shirley), Mattie Mae Lewis. One Brother Anthony Odom (Effie), Two Sisters Rev Dr. Mary Lee (Lawrence), and Deacon Addie Jackson. A Host of Grands, Great grand children, nieces, nephews, cousins, and a host of God children, God daughter Leslie Robinson, God son, Corneilus Lewis, close friends, Rev. Dr. Robert Robinson, and most recent His Best Friend Sapphire “Tiny” Smalls.
Submitted with Love,
The Odom Family