Grace W. Odom

HICKORY – Grace Whisnant Odom, 98, of Hickory, passed away Saturday, December 18, 2010 at Brian Center Viewmont. Born November 8, 1912 in Catawba County, she was the daughter of the late Dan Frederick and Laura Wilson Whisnant. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Jack Samuel Odom; one daughter, Jane O. Myers; four sisters: Virgie W. Yount, Pearl Whisnant, Ellen W. Van Dyke, and an infant sister, Jocy Mary Whisnant; four brothers: Thurman Whisnant, Ernest Whisnant, Dan Whisnant, and Clarence Whisnant. Grace was a strong woman of faith and was a devoted member of Bethany Lutheran Church. She worked in the textile industry for her brothers and later went to CVCC and became a teacher's aid at Highland Elementary School. She received great joy in teaching children to read. Her family was the love of her life. Her hobbies included gardening, watching basketball and golf. She actually played basketball in high school and was a super athlete. She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Ann Nikbakht and husband Kave of Blowing Rock; a granddaughter, Donna Myers Bush and husband Jimmy of Hickory; two great-grandchildren: Amanda and Jay Bush, both of Raleigh; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at 2 p.m. at Bethany Lutheran Church with the Reverend Dan Duke officiating. Burial will follow in Fairview Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the service at Bethany Lutheran Church. The family sincerely thanks the loving caregivers who surrounded Grace during her later years. Memorials may be made to Bethany Lutheran Church, 1644 Main Ave. Dr. NW, Hickory, NC 28601 or to Palliative Care Center and Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658. Bass-Smith Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Grace Whisnant Odom.

Published in Hickory Daily Record on December 20, 2010