Odell Yates was born on April 17,1930, and passed away on March 19, 2025, at the age of 94.  Odell was born in Hickman County on Hassell’s Creek Rd, just down from Tarkington Store on the family farm. On the other side, down the road from the store, lived Earl Yates. He was a classmate, a friend, and they attended school and church together and later he became her husband of 74 years.

Odell is the daughter of the late Elvis A Capps and Ila Mai Smith Capps. She is also preceded in death by her grandchild, Brian Christopher Owen and grandchild, Julie Ann Owen, brother, Lester Capps, and sister, Willie Mai White.

Odell leaves to cherish her memory, her husband, Earl Yates, daughter, Cheryl Owen, son. Mark Yates, grandchildren, Michelle (Trevor) Peach and Johnathon (Cindy) Yates and 6 great-grandchildren.

She was employed at Genesco for 35 years and then would come home each evening to the farm where her next job would begin: Tending to livestock, gardening, yard work and raising children. Her many skills included canning and freezing vegetables, sewing and quilting. As a child of The Great Depression, she learned to make do with what she had and not a penny was wasted.

She was a devoted wife and amazing life partner to Earl. Her two children, Mark and Cheryl, were her joy and in later years were faithful caregivers for her.  She had so much love for her precious grandchildren that she stopped work and took care of them. As the family grew, she had the same love and joy for the six great-grandchildren. Her home was the gathering place on holidays and special events for four generations. She was a wonderful cook, and there was always a seat for one more at her table.

She enjoyed the beauty of God’s creation, and one could find her rocking on her porch surrounding by her fragrant flowers. Her yard was a source of food for songbirds, hummingbirds, turkey, deer and even squirrels. She enjoyed them all.  Earl and Odell were involved in church in Possum Hollow in their childhood.  Later they attended church at Littlelot United Methodist, then Mt. Pleasant United Methodist. One of her favorite scripture verses is found in Romans 10:9, “If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart the God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” What a great testimony of her walk with Jesus. 

1930-2025:  This dash (-) represents the life of an amazing, beloved, cherished, Christian woman who will have an impact on generations to come.

Visitation with the family will be 25 March 2025 from 12:00 – 2:00 PM at McDonald Funeral Home – Hickman County with Graveside Services to begin at 2:30 PM at Memory Gardens Cemetery, Centerville, TN.