" The memory of the righteous will be a blessing…"

Proverbs 10:7

Obituary

Odelle Ricks, affectionately known as Odelle, was born in Sedley, Virginia, to the late Lloyd and Penny Warren. She moved to Norfolk, Virginia at a young age where she later met and married the love of her life, James Herbert Ricks. To this union was born five children.

Odelle was an awesome stay-at-home housewife and mother for over 40 years.  She later worked as a domestic engineer from which she retired.  After her marriage to James, they eventually relocated to Newport News, Virginia.  There, she joined Christian Union Church where she was a lifetime member. At Christian Union, Odelle was a member of the Willing Workers, Music and  Four Score Ministries. Also, while  living with her daughter and son-in-love, she attended Macedonia Baptist Church where she joined the choir and sang until her health begin to fail.

Odelle loved to sing for the Lord and she had a beautiful soprano voice.  Some of her favorite songs were "Amazing Grace" and "Everlasting Life". However, her most favorite song was "May the Work I've Done Speak for Me".  She ministered through music!!!

In addition to her parents, Odelle was preceded in death by her husband, James Herbert Ricks; son-in-love, Rueben "Joe" Artis; sisters, Gladys Chapman, Bernice Hamlin and Olga Hardy.

She leaves to cherish her blessed memories her son, James W. Ricks & Wife, Valerie of Zuni, Virginia; four daughters, Barbara MacClenny & husband, Bernard of Zuni, Virginia, Yvonne Artis of Temple Hills, Maryland, Janice Ricks-Turner & Husband, Andrew of Newport News, Virginia and Regina McClenney & husband, David of Hampton, Virginia; one sister, Joyce Bowers of Ivor, Virginia; a number of bonus sisters and brothers of the late Charlie Lane; one sister-in-love, Elizabeth Ricks of Sedley, Virginia; fifteen grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, there will be a private homegoing celebration on Saturday, December 19, at 10 a.m., at Macedonia Baptist Church, Newport News, Va.  The family would be honored and humbled if you would join them on the Macedonia Facebook Live Page for the celebration: https://www.facebook.com/Macedonia-Baptist-Church-1847443218655131/

A viewing will be held on Friday, December 18, 3 p.m.-6 p.m., at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home in Newport News, Va., Macedonia on Saturday, December 19, 9 a.m. – 10 a.m. and graveside viewing (after homegoing celebration at approx. 12:45 p.m.) at the Warren Family Cemetery in Ivor, Va.  O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.

"… weeping may endure for a night,

but joy cometh in the morning."

Psalm 30:5