July 02, 1928 – November 03, 2014
Eleanor Gilliam Odom, 86 of Columbia, S.C., entered into eternal rest with her Savior on Monday, November 3, 2014. She was born to the late William Henry and Vivian Hutto Gilliam July 2, 1928 in Barnwell County, South Carolina, where she graduated from Blackville High School in Blackville, South Carolina. She married Albert Edwin Odom in 1946, and they lived together in Denmark, Blackville and Orangeburg before moving to the Columbia area in 1995.
Eleanor was a beautiful, loving wife, mother and grandmother and a gracious servant of the Lord. She served in many churches throughout her life, most recently Northside Baptist Church in West Columbia, SC. She took an active role in church life and ministered to others wherever she lived.
Eleanor worked as a bridal consultant at Andrae’s Jewelers in Orangeburg, S.C. where her outgoing, pleasant personality was a valuable asset. She loved being a homemaker and was a wonderful cook. She loved people and enjoyed garden and sewing clubs, as well as bridge, canasta and square dancing clubs. Along with her husband, Albert, she was an avid Clemson fan, attending home football games for many years.
Eleanor is survived by her husband of 68 years, Albert Edwin Odom of Columbia, SC; son Dr. Albert E. Odom Jr. (Carole) of Columbia, daughter Wanda Willcoxon (David) of Lawrenceville, GA; grandsons Andrew Willcoxon ( Michi) Palo Alto, CA, and Adam Willcoxon of Bowling Green, KY; granddaughters Lindsay and Carlyn Odom of Columbia, SC; and great-granddaughter Eleanor Willcoxon of Palo Alto, CA.
She was preceded in death by her brothers, MacLaurin, Roland and Dennis Gilliam and sisters Myrtis Croft Folk and Sybil Gilliam Proveaux.
The family would like to thank the professional and compassionate staff of Palmetto Health Home Care and Wildewood Downs- Long Term Care.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 6 from 5-7 pm at the home of Al and Carole Odom. A private family burial will be held at Mount Calvary Baptist Church Cemetery in Blackville.
Memorials can be made in her honor to Northside Baptist Church, 4347 Sunset Blvd. Lexington, SC 29072.