Carolyn Sue Odum

Carolyn Sue Odum, age 89, of Fuquay -Varina, North Carolina, formerly of Herrin, Illinois, passed away Saturday, July 27, 2024 at Transitions Life Care in Raleigh, North Carolina.

Carolyn was born September 23, 1934 in Herrin, Illinois, a daughter of Melvin and Thelma (Yates) Liddell. Carolyn grew up in Herrin, IL and graduated Herrin High School in 1952. She married the love of her life, Bobby Odum on March 09, 1953 in Herrin, IL. Bobby was in the Air Force and stationed in Tampa, Florida. Their first two children, Mike and Sue were born in Tampa. After Bobby was Honorably discharged, they moved to New Baden, IL where their other children Mark and Sheryl were born. After the Air Force, Bobby's civilian career with the U.S. Government took them from New Baden to Fort Pierce, Fl and then to Troy, Illinois where he retired. They moved back to Herrin, Illinois and spent many years traveling the U.S. and Europe. The rest of their time was spent visiting with their grandchildren. In their final years of retirement, Carolyn was her husband's caretaker as he had Parkinson's Disease. After Bobby passed away, she moved to North Carolina to live with her daughter Sheryl and Son-In-Law Bob to be closer to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Carolyn loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and focused all her time on her family. She loved to travel with them to Florida to spend time on the beach and go to Disney World. She enjoyed cooking, cleaning, and cross stitch. Most of all, she cherished the time with her three grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. She always had time to play, cook or read to them.

She is survived by two children, Mike (Connie) Odum of Herrin, IL, Sheryl (Bob) Laughlin of Fuquay Varina, NC; son-in-law Sandy Femiano of Fort Pierce, FL; three grandchildren, Julie Laughlin, Lindsay (Nee) Allotey, and Matt Laughlin (Fiancee Nicole Dunn); three great-grandchildren, Raelyn Allotey, Kaia Allotey and Jace Allotey; one sister, Joyce Tripp of Goreville, IL. She is preceded in death by her husband Bobby Odum; two children, Mark Odum and Suzanne Femiano; her parents, Melvin Walker and Thelma Liddell; and one brother-in-law Paul Tripp.

Visitation will be Wednesday, August 7th, 2024 from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 7, 2024, 11:00 AM at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home with Pastor Courtney Hill officiating. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery in Herrin.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Herrin First Baptist Church (School Supplies). Envelopes will be available and accepted at Johnson-Hughes Funeral Home, 201 South 13th Street, Herrin, Illinois 62948.