Ms. Jenora Odem Wade

I, Jenora Harris Odem-Wade, was born on Wednesday, October 19, 1927, in Omar, West Virginia, as an only child to my parents. I was raised by my loving and wonderful grandparents. On Saturday, May 28, 2022, I was touched by an Angel of the Lord, departed this world, and was escorted to my heavenly home. I was preceded in death by my parents, Charlie and Edna Harris; grandparents, Andrew and Lucy Jones; my husbands, Andrew Odem and Thomas S. Wade; surrogate brothers, Columbus Williams and Dewitt Williams; surrogate sister, Juanita (Harry) Woolwine; surrogate sister-in-law, Sarah Williams; and a dear friend, Joyce Goines. I attended Dunbar Elementary & Langston High School. I worked for the Appalachian hospital as a dietician and retired from Upper East Human Services of Tennessee. I gave my life to Christ at an early age. I served most of my Christian church life at Friendship Baptist Church. I sang in the choir, served with Carrie Moragne Circle, and was the director of the Sunshine Band for many years. I have loved and spent countless hours quilting, as well as time creating and making crafts. Tom and I shared a love of young people and spent many years nourishing, housing, and feeding college students. I have lived my life as many of you, with good times and bad ones alike, but I made it through, and you will too. Later in life, due to my declining health after Tom's passing, I relocated to Eden, NC, to live with my youngest son, Thomas (Lovisa) Wade Jr., where I joined Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church. I served with the Senior missionary group; I was blessed to develop special relationships and made many friends in NC. My last few years of life have been spent with my oldest son, Andrew Moses (Debbie) Odem, in Jonesboro, GA, where I was cared for until the Lord called me home. I leave to cherish my memories four sons; Andrew Moses (Debbie) Odem of Jonesboro, GA, William Eugene Odem of Bristol, VA, Dr. Carroll Gilbert (Dee) Odem of Chattanooga, TN, Minister Thomas Shaylor (Lovisa) Wade Jr. of Eden, NC; my special children, Reverend Perry (Jackie) Irby of Fayetteville, NC, Reverend Lester (Stephanie) Lattany, and Minister Melvin Love both of Jocy, TN, Reverend William (Terry) Wilson Sr. of Martinsville, VA, Dr. Vernetta (Hauns) Spencer of Alaska, and Dr. Cerrone Foster of Jocy, TN; twenty-six grandchildren, a host of great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, my surrogate brothers, Eugene Williams of Roanoke, VA and Billy G. (Jane) Williams; Sisters-in-law Marion C. and Mary K. Williams all of Jocy TN; lifelong neighbor & friend, Elva Morrison; other special longtime friends, Nola (Dan) Parks, Veral Jean (Robert) Neal, Paul Goines; and many loving in-laws, family, and friends. Service for Mrs. Jenora Odem Wade will be conducted Monday, June 6, 2022 at 12:00 pm from Friendship Baptist Church 522 W. Main St. Johnson City, TN. The family will receive friends from 11:00 am until the hour of service. Interment will follow at the VA National Cemetery Mt. Home TN.