Constance DuBose Odems

Sunrise: November 26, 1932

Sunset: November 12, 2023

“To Everything there is a Season”… Ecclesiastes 3:1

Constance DuBose Odems, affectionately known as “Connie” was born in Tampa, Florida on November 26, 1932, to William Elby and Arimentha DuBose. From a very young age Connie learned to express her unwavering faith by reading scriptures, playing the organ for church and daily bible study called “Devotion” with her family. Throughout her life, she engaged all the spiritual gifts that she received upon accepting Christ during childhood.

Connie attended Hillsborough County Public Schools and upon graduating with honors from Middleton Senior High School at 16, received a scholarship to attend Hampton (Institute) University in VA, achieving a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and English. While pursuing her education there she also initiated as a Gamma Theta Chapter member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., later becoming the Basileus of the Gamma Zeta Omega Chapter in 1972. Connie’s higher calling for education led her to obtain a Master's Degree in Education with an emphasis on Counseling from Clark-Atlanta University in Georgia.

Over the years, Connie modestly sowed many seeds of knowledge and wisdom into the lives of everyone she encountered. Her professional accomplishments brought her great pleasure and national recognition. Most notably she was promoted to Senior Vice President of the American Association of Community and Junior Colleges (AACJC) in Washington, DC.; advancing the organization’s mission and leading the charge for diversity, inclusion, and equity (as cited in the book titled “Women Who Shaped the Early Community College Movement’ by Anne- Marie McCartan, 2017).

As Connie began to reach the age of retirement she met, fell in love, and married the distinguished SGM Lingiam Odems Sr. Connie and “Linn” wed at the Fort Myers Chapel in Virginia on December 31, 1984. This union blessed her with 4 bonus children to devote her love and time.

Connie’s life remained full as the consummate servant leader in her family and community. She volunteered for Alive Global Ministries sharing hope in Christ and power through prayer. As a beloved member of All Saints Church, Connie served on the Vestry, was a leader of Bible Study and Vacation Bible Study, influenced and trained young leaders, and was a prayer warrior. She also led weekly Bible Study in the Four Seasons Community and with her great-grandchildren.

After a brief illness, Connie passed away peacefully in Woodbridge, VA on November 12, 2023, surrounded by her family as she entered the eternal gates.

Connie was preceded in death by her beloved husband Lingiam Odems, Sr., parents William E. DuBose Sr. and Arimentha W. DuBose, and children Deatria Odems, Lingiam Odems Jr., and Gwenevere Odems.

Immediate family members include sister Minerva DuBose (decd); brothers William E. (Carolyn) DuBose, Jr., of Tampa, FL. (decd), Arnold (Doris) DuBose of Tampa, FL. and Sherwood DuBose (Sharon) of Miami, FL.; daughter Gail Farris; daughters-in-law Michele Odems and Robin Odems; grandchildren John Farris Jr,, Nichole Odems Adkins (David). Alec Odems (Maurtoinette), Christy Odems, Kathryn Odems, Leslie Odems, Nathan Odems, Tyler Odems, and Marjorie Ricks; great-grandchildren Mickey, Bryson, Kyle, Brook, Brady, Benjamin, Elijah, Isaiah, Mailaya, Christian, Olivia, Kaliyah, and Malani. nephews: William Hairston (decd), William E. DuBose III, Reginald DuBose Kimble (Denise), Quinton DuBose (Makeda), Raynor DuBose (decd), Antwon Lewis (Kimberly), and Dietrick George (Sheletta); nieces: Desiré DuBose, Sharisse DuBose, Melisande DuBose Turbee (Christopher), and Shayla DuBose; great nephews and great nieces William (Gerlinde), Santiana, Shakeem, Kennedy, Keenan, Kyle, Saniyah, Nasira, and Aiden… and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 10 AM on Saturday, December 2, 2023, at the All Saints’ Church, 14851 Gideon Drive, Woodbridge, VA 22192 with Pastor Scott officiating. Interment will be forthcoming at the Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donating to the Lupus Foundation of America or All Saints Church in Connie’s memory.