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Obituary For Teresa Oduor
Death and Funeral Announcement
Teresa Leigh Oduor 1957-2026
It is with deep appreciation and thanksgiving to the Lord that we announce the death of Teresa Leigh Oduor who departed this life on Thursday March-12-2026, in Huntsville, Alabama USA after a short illness.
She was the wife of Thomas W. Oduor of Anyiko Konjra Village, Gem Yala, Siaya County, Kenya. Daughter of Rev. Al Kent and the late Nancy Jones Kent of Lebanon, Tennessee. Daughter in law of the late John Mariko Msula and the late Dorcas Tabitha Oluoch of Gem Yala, in Kenya.
Mother of Joy Adhiambo Miller (Michael) of Tallahassee FL, Job Onyango (Christina)of Knoxville, TN, Josiah Ochieng of Madison AL and Joanna Dorcas Aluoch of Lebanon, TN.
Grandmother of Jurias, Oliver, Eleanor, Lonnie, Henry, William & Michaela. Sister to Alicia Hovies (Tom) and Janet Beam (Dennis). Sister-in-law of Lillian Atieno Msula of Nairobi, Kenya.
Teresa was born in Pontiac Michigan. She attended local schools in Michigan and later Canada where her father Al Kent attended seminary. Her family eventually moved to Alabama where she graduated from Decatur High School in Decatur, Alabama. She attended Tennessee Temple University in Chattanooga for three years before going to Nairobi Kenya as a short time missionary with Child Evangelism Fellowship (CEF) in 1979. She served for about a year and a half and then returned to the states. She went back to Kenya in 1984 as a full-time missionary with CEF where she reached many children with the gospel through Good News clubs. Teresa later finished her degree at Tennessee State University in Nashville TN in the year 2013 after all her children had graduated from High school and gone to college.
In the course of her ministry, she met Thomas W. Oduor, and they got married in Nairobi, Kenya in August 1986. They were blessed with four children all born in Nairobi Kenya. After their marriage she continued her ministry through Scripture Union (SU) until March 1994 when they relocated to Lebanon TN. All their children graduated from Lebanon High School. They lived in El Paso Texas from 2012 to 2021 when her husband Tom accepted a job with the city. Thereafter they relocated to Coachella Valley in California from July 2021 to September 2025 on another professional pursuit. At the termination of her husband’s employment, they took up residence in Madison AL with their son Josiah until the time of her death.
Teresa accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her savior at an early age and felt called to minister to children. In all the churches they worshiped wherever they lived, Teresa got involved in children’s ministry and taught in vacation bible schools. She also loved singing in the choir in all the churches they attended.
She loved sewing and was always busy doing alterations or making garments from African fabric for her customers. She enjoyed making things for her grandchildren and was teaching one of her grandchildren how to sew at the time of her death.
At the time of her death, they had just began building their retirement house in December 2025 in Anyiko Konjra in Gem Yala Kenya even as they looked forward to their 40th wedding anniversary in August this year.
To God be the glory great things he has done.
Public Viewing & Visitation, Friday, March 20, 2026 from 5pm – 7pm at J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087.
Public Visitation will be held from 10am – 12noon on Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Cumberland Presbyterian Church, 522 Castle Heights Ave, Lebanon, TN 37087, with Funeral Service to follow.
Interment will follow funeral service at Cedar Grove Cemetery, 609 S Maple St, Lebanon, TN 37087
Please keep the Oduor family in your thoughts and prayers.
Arrangements entrusted to J C Hellum Funeral Home, 107 Stokes St, Lebanon, TN 37087. 615-444-4558
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Yesenia Reynoso planted 5 trees in memory of Teresa Oduor . - March 26, 2026
Joye Williamson planted 5 trees in memory of Teresa Oduor . - March 19, 2026
Kristin Kristin Dowell planted 2 trees in memory of Teresa Oduor . - March 19, 2026
Kristin Kristin Dowell sent Beautiful Dreams for Teresa Oduor - March 19, 2026
Casey Fernandes sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Teresa Oduor - March 18, 2026
Bobby Ellis planted 10 trees in memory of Teresa Oduor . - March 18, 2026
Samson Wasao sent Living Spirit Dishgarden for Teresa Oduor - March 17, 2026
Ms. Teresa was such a precious lady (still is & is in the presence of Jesus!) I was blessed to work with her at St. Clement. Her heart for children's ministry was an inspiration and blessing to the families there. She was a consistent and steady partner to me and I will forever consider myself blessed to have learned from her.
My prayers for comfort go out to her family! ❤️
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I had only just begun to know Teresa. She was so thoughtful and always made time to show interest in our family (and daughters). At church we discussed coffee, favorite foods, family, and hobbies. I was only learning of her many talents and was looking forward to deepening our new friendship. That will have to wait until we meet in heaven. Condolences to the Oduor family. She was truly a blessing to many and I am grateful for the short time I had to get to know Teresa.
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"Sending you my deepest condolences and keeping you in my thoughts". I'll never forget the wonderful memories of Teresa. She will be missed deeply".
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May Theresa, fondly known as "Min Anyiko," rest in eternal peace.
When I first arrived in the United States, the Oduor's family was the very first Kenyan family I encountered. Theresa made my transition so much easier and truly memorable. She warmly welcomed me into her home in Lebanon, TN every weekend, and without fail, her dining table was always filled with authentic Kenya food that brought comfort and a sense of belonging.
I will always remember how, during those meals, she shared the touching story behind giving all her children names beginning with the letter *J*. It was a story that deeply resonated with me.
To Joy, Job, Josiah, and Joanna- may the spirit of love , warmth, and hospitality that your mother instilled in you continue to flourish and multiply abundantly as you hold onto the hope of reunion with those who have gone before us.
Brother Thomas, I pray that you find peace, strength, and consolation as you mourn the loss of your beloved wife, Min Anyiko.
Rest well, MAMA.
Sylvester O
03/20/2026@3:48 PM; EXTENDING SINCERE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES & PRAYERS [GODLY/ JESUS] TO THE FAMILY. PHILIPPIANS 4:13, DIFFERENT SCRIPTURES FROM THE BOOK OF PSALM, THE BOOK OF JAMES [FAITH]. MATTHEW, MARK & LUKE, ST. JOHN [1ST & 2ND JOHN], ROMANS, & OTHER FAMALIAR [BOOKS OF THE HOLY BIBLE] SCRIPTURES OF YOUR CHOICE. SINCERELY, PRAYFULLY, HUMBLY, [KINDLY AS WELL], & RESPECTFULLY TO THE FAMILY. P.S. ACCORDING TO HER BIO. SHE SERVED HER LORD & SAVIOR [HER FAMILY, ETC] WITH HER WHOLE HEART.
Thomas & Oduor Family; Sending my heartfelt sympathy to you and the Odur family during your time pain and sorrow peace passing all understanding for Teresa beautiful life well lived heaven has gain a beautiful sweet angel she will dearly be very missed you all knew and loved her rest very well Teresa it,s all over now by and by.
RIP
My deepest condolences to the family of Oduor, may God grant you and your family peace that surpasses all human understanding at this tough time, Psalms 23.4 and may Shemejis soul rest in eternal peace in Jesus Mighty name AMEN AND AMEN, straight from St. Louis MO,314 7068165
Dear Oduor family, Teresa was a friend of mine at Trinity Lutheran Church in Indio, she was a lovely lady and it was a pleasure to know her. My sincere condolences. She is with her Lord.
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Deepest condolences to our childhood friend Tom and his family. We have good memories of the days Teresa and your young family were in Nairobi, Kenya. May the good Lord rest mama's soul in eternal peace
Cyprianus Migowa & family
Dear Tom and family. My sincere condolences I thank God for Teresa's life, love and friendship. My daughter and my grand children knew her and loved her. We will miss her dearly. It is well
To Oduor & family, We the Dulos were honored to have known your family. The friendship & fellowship that we have enjoyed all the year will cover be treasured. Teresa was a gentle lady humble & with a quiet spirit. I remember the many stopover you made at our house in Ohio & the fellowship we enjoyed each time. We have truly lost a friend. May the Grace of God be sufficient for you & all whose life was touched by Teresa. Amen! I Thess 4:16-17 Mrs Dulo
Mr. Oduor and family, I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved wife and mother, Teresa. May she rest in peace. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. God Bless you all.
Janet Keller El Paso, Texas
With heavy hearts, we extend our deepest condolences to the Oduor family on the passing of our beloved Teresa. Her warmth, kindness, and gentle spirit touched many lives, and she will be dearly missed.
We thank God for the time we shared with her and take comfort in knowing she is now at peace.
May the Lord grant the family strength, comfort, and peace during this difficult time.
With love and prayers, Ron & Lynette Okelo Family
03/17/2026@7:32 PM [TUESDAY NIGHT]
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I extend my deepest sympathies to The Oduor s family during this very difficult time! Pole sana big cousin! Kwee mar Routh!
To Thomas Oduor and the Entire Family.. Sending you my deepest Condolences..May Teresa's soul Rest in peace.🫂 Pole sana.
To Tom and Family, receive our utmost condolences to you and your lovely children. I personally as Elizabeth it looks like a dream that Teresah has gone to be with the Lord. I knew Teresah as a Child Evangelism missionary in Kenya. I later came to visit you in Lebanon as a family when your children were very little (babies). I also knew her parents, very talented people born again Christians and God gave them the talents of using their hands which Teresah inherited. I always attended graduations of their children.Jesus came and for sure he came to pick Teresah. John 14 says Jesus has already given her a house where we shall meet when we go there. To Tom, keep the mantle he will keep you and guide you. not easy but cling to Jesus. my family Roselyne,Judy,Phyllis, Jean, Albert, Immaculate and Children and Joseph. Will keep you in prayers. Amina. Shalom
Dear Tom and Family,
On behalf of the Opiyo family, we celebrate Teresa's life with gratitude to God for the long and rich friendship we shared with her and with you. We extend our deepest sympathies to you, the children, and grandchildren as you mourn this great loss. May you all experience the comfort and peace that only God can give at such times of pain.
Our children Arnold, Joy, and the late Ronald were great friends with your children, and as a family we are devastated. Please know that we stand with you in prayer and in solidarity during this difficult time.
With heartfelt condolences, The Opiyo Family
We celebrate Teresa's life as we thank God for her and for the long and rich friendship that we enjoyed with her and with Tom. We extend our deepest sympathies to Tom, the children and grandchildren as they mourn. May you all experience the comfort and peace that only God can give at such times of great loss and pain.
Our deepest condolences on the loss of your mum.
Blessings 🙌, to Teresa, family, and all Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus our savior and greatest lover Supreme.
Teresa was my oldest sister. She held a place of high regard in my life. She taught me many things and guided me with answers to my many questions from my young years up until recently. I will remember her forever ♥️
Our deepest sympathy to Thomas and the family. She will be missed.
03/13/2026@12:30 PM FRIDAY AFTERNOON; EXTENDING SINCERE HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES & PRAYERS TO THE FAMILY. *FROM THE CORDER-JOBE FAMILY
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
