Odell Douglas Smith

Obituary For Odell Douglas Smith

Odell Douglas Smith, 92, passed away peacefully answering the Lord's call to come home on September 29, 2025 at Fairmont Crossing Nursing Health & Rehab in Amherst, VA. She was born in Amherst, VA on November 30, 1932 to the late Richard Douglas and Inez (Mitchell) Douglas.

Odell received the Lord as her personal Savior at an early age in Piney Grove Baptist Church. She dedicated her life to God and found joy participating in the choir, culinary ministry, and Bible Study. Odell also demonstrated a notable work ethic throughout her life, consistently making a positive and enduring impact on those with whom she interacted. She was employed at the local veneer plant and managed households for multiple families in Amherst County for more than thirty years.

Odell's commitment to spirituality was evident in her consistent demonstration of compassion, kindness, consideration, charitable giving, and goodwill over the course of her life. She was always doing something for her family, friends, and others within her community. She never waited to be asked, but just quietly stepped in whenever or wherever there was a need – especially if cooking or childcare was involved. Whether lending a helping hand or inspiring others through her wisdom and humor, her impact will be felt for generations. Odell’s acts of kindness and sharing truly demonstrated God's love. She was the consummate "caregiver and (grand)mother to all of us."

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, George Thomas Smith, her son, James Edward Smith (Genevieve), and all of her siblings. She leaves behind to cherish her memory, daughter-in-law, Genevieve (James) Smith of Amherst, VA; two granddaughters, Allison Smith of Fredericksburg, VA and Amy Smith of Amherst, VA; three great-grandchildren, Skylar Haynes, Cameron Haynes, and Savanna Haynes of Amherst, VA; devoted nieces, Elaine (Charles) Carter and Dorothy (Gerald) Thomas, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

The family respectfully requests that Odell’s legacy be remembered for the way she lived her life and the meaningful influence she had on those who knew her, rather than solely by her battle with Alzheimer’s. Though words cannot fully express the loss we feel, we remember a life marked by warmth, wit, resilience, and unwavering strength.

A family visitation will be held Saturday, October 4, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 12:00 noon at Piney Grove Baptist Church, 322 Puppy Creek Road, Amherst, VA with the Reverend Rodney Sandidge officiating. Interment will be in the Amherst Cemetery, Amherst, VA.

A public viewing will be held on Friday, October 3, 2025, at Community Funeral Home, Inc., 909 5TH St., Lynchburg, VA between the hours of 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. Live streaming of the funeral service will be available at Hairston Funeral Home live via Facebook.

Courteous, efficient and dependable services provided by Hairston Funeral Home.