Cothelia Odessa Overcash, 93, of Mooresville, N.C., passed through the pearly gates and joined her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 3, 2023.
Odessa was born in Lowell, N.C., on July 23, 1929 to the late James Thomas Williams and Delia Howard Williams. She moved to Mooresville as a young child with her parents and seven siblings. At an young age, she began working and rode the train from downtown Mooresville to Davidson. She never learned to drive, but was never without a ride from family and friends. After World War II, she met her future husband, Joseph “Joe” Overcash. They married in 1947 and had six children. Her extended family became very large over the years, with twelve grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She worked at Draymore curtain manufacturing for 34 years, where she made many life-long friends.
More than anything, Odessa enjoyed being with her family. She cooked lunch each Saturday for her children and grandchildren. She was known for her Cherry Yum Yum. She and Joe spent many afternoons under the big tree in front of the house along Charlotte Highway, gathered with family or just watching the traffic go by. In later years, she and her sister, Barbara Ann, enjoyed having lunch and grocery shopping in Mooresville with their sisters, daughters and nieces. Holidays were always a time for gathering. Her children, their spouses, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always in attendance. It was standing room only especially as the family continued to grow. There was no lack of food in the kitchen and all were welcome. Of course, there was always Cherry Yum Yum.
Odessa was strong in her faith and a long-time member of Vanderburg Methodist Church. As a young child, she memorized Bible verses and participated in the Christmas Pageants at the Tabernacle Church. She loved listening to gospel and bluegrass music. Odessa’s great accomplishment was her family, and she enjoyed spending as much time with them as possible. Her door was always open for a visit or a shoulder to lean on.
Odessa is survived by her children, Sylvia Nelson and husband Don of Lenoir, Dennis Overcash and wife Linda of Mooresville, Jeanette Overcash and husband Gary Wilson of Mooresville, Wanda Sheets and husband Richard of Maple Hill, and Allen Overcash and wife Libby of Newton. Her grandchildren are Mac Nelson, Amber Lipari and John, Lisa Tran and Tuan, Kristi Overcash, Karla Fischer and Jason, Clint Nelson and Diana, Thomas Ritchie, Melissa Cranfill, Craig Overcash and Holly, Brent Sheets and Amanda, April Ritchie and Jason Overcash and Michelle. Odessa had numerous great-grandchildren whom she adored, and she loved watching them during family egg hunts, Christmas gatherings and hearing about their adventures as they traveled the world.
She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Joe; her cherished daughter, Cynthia Fortenberry; and her parents; as well as her seven siblings, B.L. Williams, Claude Williams, Sara Robinson, Wynette Robinson, Evelyn Nance, Betty Burton and Barbara Ann Mayberry.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 7, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Vanderburg Methodist Church, Mooresville, N.C. Visitation will take place before the service from 10 to 11 a.m. at the church with Rev. Melanie Nichols officiating. Burial will follow at Vanderburg Blue Door Cemetery, Mooresville, N.C.
The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of the S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House for their compassion and kindness. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Vanderburg Methodist Church Trustees or S. Mitchell Mack Hospice House.
Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, Mooresville, is serving the Overcash family. Condolences may be made to the family at www.cavin-cook.com.