Joann Odom

Joann Elaine Odom, 85, of Happy passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior and joined her husband Pete of 63 years Tuesday, September 12, 2017. Memorial services will be held Saturday, September 16, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church with Rev. Tom Stribling, pastor, officiating. Born February 16, 1932 to Edgar Terry Patching and Ferne Eleanor Francy Patching in Amarillo, Joann graduated from Happy High School in 1950.  She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in home economics from Texas Tech University and married Bobby G. "Pete" Odom on August 21, 1954 in Happy. He preceded her in death on August 24, 2017. Joann taught home economics at Happy High School until her family of three boys began arriving in 1959. She made a lasting impression on her students as she kept in touch with many of them through the years. A homemaker through and through, Joann helped Pete with farming, ranching and raising their family. A member of the First United Methodist Church of Happy, Order of the Eastern Star, Texas CowBelles, Woman's Study Club of Happy, Joann served as a local Scout leader and an adult leader for Swisher County 4-H for many years. An accomplished cake decorator, Joann loved baking and decorating birthday cakes for her family. She mastered her German chocolate and German white cakes as all who received one savored every bite. Joann treasured her time spent as "Grandmother" and lived life with a spirit of grace.  A grandchild of Texas Panhandle Pioneers Frederick George Patching, Sr. and Mary Josephine Patching, the death of Joann marks the last of her generation. She was also preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Robert "Bob" Patching; a sister-in-law, Joyce Patching; and two brothers in law, Carl Odom, Jr. and Bill Odom. Survivors include her three sons, Neal Odom and wife, Bev of Wellington, Kevin Odom and wife, Karen of Lubbock and Kyle Odom and wife, Tricia of Happy; six grandchildren, Nicholas Odom, Kristen and husband, RA Brown II, Zachary Odom and fiancé, Faith Grisham, Jack Odom, Mackenzie Odom and Craig Odom; two great grandchildren, Trey and Kaylee Brown; two sisters in law, Dixie Odom of Maxwell, NM and Ruth Odom of Mesa, Ariz; and several nieces and nephews. The family suggests memorials be to the First United Methodist Church of Happy Building Fund, PO Box 56, Happy, TX 79042 or to Swisher County Home Delivery Meals (Meals on Wheels), 619 SE 2nd St., Tulia, TX 79088.