Effie Odell Homewood's Obituary
Effie Odell Homewood, known to relatives and friends alike as “Mimaw”, passed away November 10, 2023 just shy of her 100th birthday.
Odell was born to Orin Kell and Nancy Leo Kell (née, Shelton) in Wheeling, West Virigina. Early in her life, the family moved to the North Fulton area, and then eventually to Atlanta. After high school, Odell married her sweetheart, Thomas Edward Homewood, at age 17. The two made a beautiful life together and raised three children.
Odell loved to work at J.C. Penney and treasured her Penney’s family. She worked for 18 years at the location in Cumberland, and then another 18 years at Town Center. She credits her job and her work family with helping her make it through the loss of her husband and cherished her work relationships dearly.
In her free time, Odell could be found cutting a rug at the VFW, playing Skip Bo and other cards games, or making her family laugh until their sides were sore. She was always dressed to the nines and was known for her fashion sense and love of shoes.
Odell had a number of sayings. Firstly, she always said “You can find good in everyone.” Her kindness and willingness to look for the best in people is something to aspire to. And secondly, she would frequently say “You know me…anytime you ask me something, give me 5 minutes and I’ll change my mind.” Lastly, “Would you like to open a charge app?”, with which she famously won many awards and bonuses at J.C. Penney for signing people up for their credit cards. These endearing “Mimaw-isms” will be greatly treasured by her family and they already miss her dearly.
Odell was preceded in death by her husband, Thomas Edward Homewood; siblings, Dorothy, Hazel, Floyd, and Infant Brother Edwin; son, Terry Franklin Homewood; and grandson, Keith Couch.
She is survived by her children, Donna Ellis (husband, Jerry) of Kennesaw, and Alan Homewood (wife, Traci) of Acworth; grandchildren, Art, Stacy, Jeff, Jennifer, Jami, Alan, Jr., David, and Mitzi; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many beloved extended family and friends.
Funeral services will be held Friday, November 17th, one day before her 100th birthday, at 1:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Chapel with Elder Randall Cagle and Rev. Bill Rorie officiating. Interment will follow the service at Mozley Memorial Gardens.
The family will receive friends on Thursday, November 16th, from 4:00 to 8:00 PM at the funeral home.
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