Odister "Odessa" Owens

Odister Owens was born May 4,1932 in Brownsville, Tennessee to Fate Frye and Odie Frye. She departed this life on Friday, February 28, 2020 at 4:15 p.m.

In 1947, Odister relocated to Indianapolis, Indiana with her parents and family and had one daughter Catherine Howland.

In 1950, Odister was joined in Holy Matrimony to James Linza. At an early age, she professed her faith in Christ and joined Mt. Moriah Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend E.T. Johnson, where she served as an usher and sang in the choir. She sang with Gospel groups and to anyone who listened.  Odister worked as a nursing assistant at IU Medical Center, Winona Hospital, Methodist Hospital and other nursing facilities in Indianapolis and ended her career at IPS as a food server.

Her husband James preceded her in death. She later married Charles Owens, who passed away in 1987.  She is survived by her daughter Catherine Howland and grandchildren Earl Griffin, Darrin Parrish (Holly), Tiffani Howland (Dewayne), and Dana Howland; nine great grandchildren; eight great great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.