Odell Kingwood Obituary (1932

Odell Kingwood age 89, transitioned this life on Sunday, November 7, 2021 peacefully at her home. Odell Harvin Kingwood was born June 18,1932 to Sarah Jane Davis and Isaiah Harvin in Sumter South Carolina. She attended Clarendon County Schools and was known as Shorty being a popular player on the basketball team. Despite her height she guarded the tall girls successfully. In the family she was know for her cooking skills even at a very early age. An uncle fashioned her a stool so she would be tall enough to cook on the stove. She was raised by her maternal grandmother other until her death. Odell was raised as a Presbyterian. At the age of seventeen she moved to Jersey City where she remained until she united with Willie J. Kingwood. They were married in 1954. Odell was always a hard worker and when she and her husband moved to Connecticut she held jobs in factories, house cleaning for even the mother of Mayor Harry Rilling when he was a young child and nurses aid, before she became employed at Pepperidge Farm. She retired after twenty one years there but was not satisfied with not being busy and she became a companion for Family and Childrens Aid and retired after twenty years. Her work life was a major part of her life and she was a valued worker so much so that she was know as "Momma" by young coworkers as well as those older than herself. She had a passion for caring for others she was also known as "Udda Momma" and Annie by her nieces, nephews as well as other family members. Her skills in the kitchen brought a steady flow of folks to partake in her Sunday dinners, Thanksgiving and family parties. She helped her mother care for younger siblings even after being married and moving out of South Carolina with her family. Odell and Willie had two children Willie Jr. and Vivian that she cherished. She also cared for several of her siblings and relatives in her home giving them an opportunity to come to Connecticut for vacations or jobs. She cared for the children of several relatives also. The family moved to Connecticut in 1955 and began worshiping at Grace Baptist Church where she served on the Senior Choir and had opportunity to travel in concert. She continued serving at Grace until illness of herself and mother whom she cared for prevented her from attending and eventually her own illness. Odell was predeceased by her son Willie Jr., grandson Lamont Hudson, brothers Robert Hudson, Sam Hudson, and sister Thelma Hudson. She also leaves to mourn her husband Willie Kingwood, Norwalk, daughter Vivian Kingwood , Norwalk, granddaughter Alisha Cotte (Jamel), sister Laura Hudson, Florida, brothers William Hudson (Wyoma) Bridgeport,Ct, Roy Hudson and Herman Hudson of Florida. She also leaves granddaughters in love Shalanda Patterson , Jamie Patterson and special adopted sons Deacons Ian Hardman and Jonathan Gibson (Mommas Boys). Her love, laughter and dancing (breaking it down as she called it) has given us all joy and we will continue to remember her gifts of love and laughter. Funeral Services will held on Friday, November 12, 2021 at 11:00 AM, Grace Baptist Church, 17 West Ave, Norwalk, CT. Family will receive friends from 10:00 AM until time of service at the church. Interment will take place at Norwalk Union Cemetery, Ward Street, Norwalk, CT. Calling Hours Friday, November 12, 2021 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM Grace Baptist Church 17 West Ave Norwalk, CT 06854 Funeral Service Friday, November 12, 2021 11:00 AM Grace Baptist Church 17 West Ave Norwalk, CT 06854 Interment Friday, November 12, 2021 1:00 PM Norwalk Union Cemetery Ward Street Norwalk, CT 06851