Betty Jean Odum ~ Anna November 27, 1927 - September 1, 2025

Betty Jean Odum entered into the arms of her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on September 1, 2025, with her family by her side.

She was born November 27, 1927, in Harrisburg, Illinois, the beloved only child of Rev. Tracy T. and Sylvia McCord. Betty’s early years were spent in Harrisburg and Kankakee, and she later attended Shelbyville High School, where her father pastored the Church of the Nazarene. She went on to Olivet Nazarene College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education with a minor in Music.

In 1945, Betty married James W. Walker in Roxana, Illinois. Together they had two children, James Tracy Walker and Jil Walker Tracy. She later married Dr. Don Odum, and they were blessed with a son, Matthew Odum.

Betty devoted her life to teaching. She went on to earn a Master of Science in Education at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale. She taught English at Carbondale High School, where she also served as the faculty sponsor of the Dial yearbook for many years. After raising her children, she returned to teaching and dedicated herself to adult education well into her 80s. Through her tireless work, countless students earned their GEDs and went on to achieve employment and better lives across Southern Illinois.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dr. Don Odum; and her son, James Tracy Walker.

She leaves behind a loving family, including her daughter, Jil Walker Tracy, and son-in-law, Jim Tracy; her daughter-in-law, Tamra Walker; her grandchildren Rob and Natalie Tracy, Ben and Annie Tracy, Rev. Father Mark Tracy, Kelsey and Travis Cope, and Kailey and Joe Maier; and Twelve great-grandchildren—Molly, Sloane, Benjamin, Remi, Ruthie, Tripp, Trent, Brooks, Jimmy, Tommy and Connor —who were her pride and joy.

A gifted musician, Betty faithfully served as a church pianist throughout her life, retiring from her role as pianist of the Anna Church of the Nazarene in her 90s. She taught adult Sunday School for decades, leading many families to Christ, and joyfully shared her music with residents of The Voyages in Anna. She was also deeply devoted to worldwide mission work through her church.

Above all, Betty’s life was a witness to her deep faith in God. She loved her family fiercely, cherished playing hymns for worship, and inspired all who knew her with her unwavering devotion and kindness. She was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed.

Visitation will be held Friday, September 5, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at Walker Funeral Home in Carbondale. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, September 6, at Anna Church of the Nazarene, 100 Kirk Street, Anna, Illinois 62906.

Memorial donations may be made to the Anna Church of the Nazarene.

Walker Funeral Home of Carbondale is entrusted with arrangements.