Alicia Caroline Odom

Ms. Alicia Caroline "Bitt" Odom, 53, of Woodbury, Tennessee passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025. She was born in Woodbury, Tennessee on Monday, August 2, 1971.

Left to cherish her memory are her mother, Brenda Odom; son, Justin Odom; granddaughter, Meleah Odom; brothers, Robert Odom, Marcus Odom, Glenn Odom, and Carlos Odom; father, Jimmy Randolph; sisters, Theresa Randolph, Stephanie Harris, Rochelle Hurt, Viometrice "Nee" Simmons, and Sassandra "Nae" Smith; best friend, Carol Petry; honorary daughter, Shauna Whittemore; honorary grandchildren, Jaylen Whittemore and Camden Whittemore; devoted cousins, Diane Lyons, Pauline Clark, Channell Odom, Shalenia Odom, and Claudie Odom; devoted friends, Devin, Casey, Braylon, and Rider "Oakey" Fox; and a host of other cousins, relatives, and friends.

From a young age, Alicia proved that she was going to shine her light. A lively and friendly girl, you would be hard pressed to find someone that didn't know her. She treated everyone the way she wanted to be treated and valued their lives and stories, but if you were going to act out of line, Alicia would set you straight. That firm conviction in knowing right and wrong was something she inherited from her mother, and it made her an honest and likeable person.

Alicia never met a stranger because she let people know where they stood with her. She made a memorable mark on the lives of her classmates in the class of 1989 at Cannon County High School. When it was getting close to the end of her time in high school, Alicia "Stood alone on a mountain top, Starin' out at the Great Divide, I could go east, I could go west, It was all up to me to decide." So just like the Bob Seger song, she decided to "Roll Me Away" on to future days sooner than her classmates.

Not worrying about what others thought, Alicia kept a smile on her face that could warm even the coldest heart. She knew she was running "Against the Wind," but she had her classic rock tunes and a heart full of hopes and dreams. Meeting a kindred spirit, Alicia quickly formed a friendship with Carol that would last a lifetime, and they enjoyed their travels together. Whether it was Woodbury, Murfreesboro, or Memphis, the two could come up with a reason to go together, get some food, and, of course, get some shopping done.

Long John Silver's and O'Charley's were at the top of Alicia's list for going to eat, but for anyone that knew her, Alicia's kitchen was really the place to be. Home cooking came naturally to her, and she cooked delicious chili, meatloaf, fried chicken, cornbread, pinto beans, and whatever else you could want. She was a southern Martha Stewart with a heart of gold. Even when picky eaters came to her table, it didn't phase her. She became a short-order cook and made them something special.

When Alicia's health began to fail, she had a supportive family and countless friends around her, but she had formed a friendship with Carol that made them decide to move in together. For 12 years, they were day-in and day-out friends, helping with chores and children as their lives continued to move forward, but after beating cancer and getting her strength back up, Alicia wanted to get back to Woodbury to be close to family.

Proud of her apartment, Alicia was sure to keep a clean house, which meant it was neat, clean, and decorated just how she liked it. That also meant you better not come in and drop crumbs in her floor or at least be picking them up before she noticed. She still knew how to make sure people straightened up and flew right, but her tender heart and mothering spirit attracted all the neighbors kids to her. They would mind her, but they also wanted to be near her, hear her stories, and tell them some of their own.

Alicia loved the kids, her friends, her family, and, most importantly, the Lord. She believed in the power of prayer and would ask people to pray for her whenever sickness or hardships came her way. Her physical heart may have been fading, but her spiritual heart had never been stronger. She kept running "Against the Wind" her whole life and made sure to keep her light shining. It is with deep sorrow the family lays Alicia to rest, but they take hope in knowing she has gone to a better place.

Visitation will be held at Gentry-Smith Funeral Home on Friday, March 28, 2025 from 12-2 pm. Funeral services will follow March 28, 2025 at 2 pm in the Gentry-Smith Funeral Home chapel. Tim Gentry will officiate.

Share memories and condolences at www.gentrysmithfuneralhome.com Gentry-Smith Funeral Home, 303 Murfreesboro Rd. Woodbury, TN 37190, 615-563-5337 Because every life has a story