Odessa Johnson

Odessa (Marie) Shaw-Johnson, who in her own words, left us for her wedding in Heaven with Jesus Christ, her Lord and Savior, on June 30, 2025. Odessa was born April 24, 1938, in Marshall, TX and attended Mound Elementary School, Pemberton High School and El Centro college in Dallas, TX where she studied nursing.  She was employed by St. Paul Hospital for 34 years working as a Nurses’ Assistant and Radiology Technician.

Odessa’s immediate family is noteworthy because her parents, Timothy Shaw Sr. and Karella Wilder-Shaw prioritized introducing their children and grandchildren to Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents and three siblings, Doris Jean Shaw, Timothy Shaw Jr. and Claude Shaw.

Odessa was a God-fearing woman, baptized at the age of twelve into The Church of Christ and remained a faithful member throughout her life, attending Trinity Park Church of Christ until her passing. She held leadership roles in the community as a member of the LBK Foundation and the United Christian Ladies Scholarship Fund program for boys, encouraging young people to pursue higher learning opportunities.

Odessa answered by many names, (Mom, Dess, Marie, Granny, Gran-Gran, OJ, Mrs. Johnson, Sister Johnson) because she was loved by so many people. After death, she wanted her family to live life to the fullest, laugh at her many rules and regulations that were not kept at times, and always remember her voice, relentless love and caring spirit.

Odessa leaves to cherish her memories: four Sons, Lucilious Johnson Jr. (Paula) and Randy Johnson, Dallas, TX; Earl Johnson (Cathy), Bentonville, AR and John Hawthorne, Fort Worth, TX; a sister Helen (Liz) Shaw-Stabler and her daughter Abeni; a brother, Albert McArthur (Pete) Shaw and sons Phillip and Aaron; grandchildren, Brittane Carter, Garyon Johnson, Domonique Johnson, Antone’a Johnson, Jacoby Johnson, Evan Johnson, Myles Johnson, Ryan Ashley Hawthorne, Dvon Hawthorne and Malik Hawthorne; 12 great grandchildren; and a host of other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

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