Willie Odems

In Loving Memory of Willie M. Hurst Odems Willie Hurst was born on November 11, 1950, in Austin, Texas, to Mary J. Bedford and Clifford Sneed. Raised and educated in Austin, Willie attended local public schools and graduated from the Original L.C. Anderson High School in 1969. As a young girl, she found joy in serving as lead editor of the school newspaper, senior class treasurer, and a member of the Anderson High School chorus. With her radiant smile and welcoming spirit, Willie cherished lifelong friendships, time spent playing with her cousins, and spending meaningful moments with her great-grandmother, Mama Hutchins. A woman of deep faith, Willie served the Lord faithfully throughout her life. She was raised and baptized at Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Jimmy Miles. She later joined Mt. Olive Baptist Church, led by her great-uncle, Rev. Herbert Sneed. In 1985, she became a member of St. James Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of another great-uncle, Rev. E. M. Franklin, Sr. At St. James, Willie devoted herself to many ministries, including Visitor Greeters, Mission I, the Usher Board, Youth Usher Coordinator, the Deaconess Ministry, and the Ministers' Wives Ministry. She fulfilled every assignment with professionalism, care, and a sincere love for God’s people. In 1969, Willie married her high school sweetheart, Demosesneeds Odems, Jr. Over 55 years of lifelong love, steadfast commitment, and deep devotion, they were blessed with two beloved sons: Demosesneeds "Demo” III and DeVon Michael. Willie was a fiercely loving matriarch—the strength, support, and anchor for the men in her life. Her unwavering, selfless, and tender devotion extended to her beloved daughters-in-law, Kimberly and Teranika, whom she lovingly embraced as her own. Willie’s first job began as a childcare worker at Ebenezer Third Baptist Church. She later developed key operational skills and refined her sharp administrative abilities at the State Treasury Department. This strong foundation set the course for her distinguished career, including her service as Administrative Assistant and Accounting Supervisor with the Veterans Administration for 36 years. Most recently, Willie served with excellence as the Executive Assistant to Pastor B. W. McClendon, Sr. at St. James Missionary Baptist Church for over 16 years. She took great pride in her work, serving as a trusted cornerstone and invaluable resource for everyone who stepped through the doors. She performed every duty with remarkable skill, dedication, and grace. Willie and Demosesneeds were founding members of Youth, Inc., a Little League organization that nurtured young athletes and cheerleaders. Willie was the heartbeat of every activity her sons pursued—football, basketball, track, theater, choir, and church youth programs—and she never missed an event. Her generous spirit made her home a welcoming place where her sons’ friends could always stay- even overnight. As president of the LBJ High School Football Booster Club for two terms, she led with contagious energy, rallying the community, organizing fundraisers, and supporting the team with love and hot meals. Willie was her sons’ biggest fan and a second mother to every player who wore the jersey. Her family was her world, and she stood beside them through every milestone- from supporting her husband’s call to ministry, to seeing her son Demo become a deacon, and watching her “baby boy” enter the ministry as well. Willie devoted herself fully to the people she loved. Willie was preceded in death by her beloved mother, Mary J. Hurst; adopted father, James Hurst; paternal grandmother, Monetta Franklin Sneed; maternal grandmother, Elnora Walker; and great-grandmother, Matilda Hutchins. Willie leaves a legacy of love and devotion. Her memory will be cherished by her devoted husband of 55 years, Demosesneeds Jr.; her sons, Demosesneeds III (Kimberly) and DeVon (Teranika); her father, Clifford Sneed; sisters, Cynthia Mays and Tracie A. Miller; brother, Douglas Hurst; grandsons, Justin (DeMonica) and Daylen; great-granddaughters, Emery, Harper, Peyton, Rylee, and Zoe; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, her church family, and dear friends.

Willie Odems

November 11, 1950 - August 12, 2026