Odell Mae Lodge Williams

Surrounded by those who loved her best and longest, Odell Mae Lodge Williams, 98, passed into eternal rest Thursday evening, May 10, 2007. Mrs. Williams, known affectionately as ?Nana? is survived by a daughter, Virginia Williams Vass, of Portsmouth; a son, William ?Buddy? Williams and wife, Barbara of Clifton, Va; four grandchildren, Steve Vass, Greg Vass, Tuesdee Florence, and Tony Williams; seven great grandchildren, and a great-great grandchild. She was predeceased by her husband of 48 years, William Armistead ?Willie? Williams, Sr.; her father, John Wesley Lodge, mother, Mattie Lodge Morris and step-father, Ruby Morris; and a brother, William Lodge. A North Carolina native, she was a Portsmouth resident since an early age and was graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1927. She met and courted her future husband at South Street Baptist Church, now Western Branch Baptist Church. She taught Sunday school there and was a dedicated member of the Faithful Workers Class. Along with many church friends and neighbors, including her good friend Helen Corbitt, she was active in the Happy-Go-Lucky Sewing Circle from her twenties well into her sixties. Although she never drove a car, she and her husband logged hundreds of miles visiting those sick or hospitalized, delivering cards, treats from her kitchen and beautiful flower arrangements raised from their backyard. A homemaker, she also spent many years caring for her grandmother and her mother in her home. Her savior Jesus Christ rewards his faithful workers well, and she received similar care in her home in her later years from devoted family and friends. She found joy in many of the simple things in life, including sunrises, her dogwood tree and redbird, and baking the best lemon meringue pie in town. One her favorite philosophies came from musician Lawrence Welk: ?I love you and don?t you forget it!? A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday May 15, 2007 in Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel by Dr. Walter L. Black. The family will receive friends in the funeral home Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. and they suggest memorial contributions to Western Branch Baptist Church. Condolences may be made at www.lovingfuneralhome.com