Obituaries

Faye Wright O’dell, 77, of Martinsville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, November 15, 2022, after a difficult battle with dementia. She was born April 14, 1945 in Martinsville to the late Thomas Woodrow (Woody) Wright and Adell Riggs Wright. She lived in Martinsville most of her life except for four years in Richmond.

She graduated from Drewry Mason High School in 1963. Later that year she was crowned Miss Martinsville and Henry County and represented the area throughout Virginia. She met and married Harry (Rudy) O’dell on June 4, 1966 and moved to Richmond while he completed college at Virginia Commonwealth University. In 1971 their first son, Harry Randolph O’dell, Jr., was born. They moved back to Henry County in 1974 where they welcomed their second son, Jason Lee O’dell. They settled in Ridgeway. In 1981 Faye joined her sister and brother in real estate at Right Mark Realty and later at Rives Brown, where she was a multi-million dollar agent. Faye’s love of life and laughter blessed her with many lifelong friends, including the “YaYa’s”. She loved people and being with family and friends. She adored animals and volunteering at the animal shelter. She enjoyed the beach and the sunshine, particularly at Myrtle Beach. She will especially be missed at Christmas which was a favorite holiday for her. Her festive decorations were unmatched and she found such joy in shopping and wrapping thoughtful gifts. Christmas eve dinner at their home was a joyous tradition for all in attendance.

Faye is survived by Rudy O’dell, her husband of 56 years; son, Randy (Emily); beloved grandchildren, Aiden Robert and Ava Rose; son, Jason (significant other Jamie Awad); sister, Ann Wright Marks; brother, Tommy Wright; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. A special thank you to all who loved and cared for her throughout her life.

She was a warrior since childhood when she battled and overcame polio. This prepared her to fight dementia valiantly and with grace.

The Celebration of Life will be Sunday, November 20, 2022 at 3:00 PM at Freedom Baptist Church, with Pastor Larry Luffman officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Freedom Baptist Church, 790 Irisburg Road, Axton, Virginia 24054.

Wright Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the family.