Danny Odom

The following bio was taken from page 330 of the book entitled "Rusk County History" compiled and edited and used with permission of the Rusk County Historical Commission.

Transcribed and Submitted by Submitted by Gloria Briley Mayfield 

Bewitchingly, a new life was thrust into Rusk County history one balmy October day just before Halloween. 

Christened Elizabeth Anne Whitley, I interposed into this life with exuberant zeal. Except for a short duration away at college, I have obtained great satisfaction from my development here in these surroundings.

Being methodical in nature, I chose my birth date as my wedding day. At the time, it seemed the logical thing to do, for my marriage was indeed representative of a new birth for me. Then the two of us became one flesh, and our bond is for now and all of eternity. On an Indian summer eve of October 28, 1972, I became Mrs. Danny Odom.

Danny's tap root was in Beaumont, Texas, but his heart branched out here. This county was chosen as the spot for rooting our new family tree. We created many tangible objects in our marriage -Danny is a creative welder and builder, and I am a creator of things for him to do. Together we built our home here in Laneville. But the most precious entity we created was a new life ---Daniel James. Daniel marched into life on Palm Sunday of 1975. He was named for the two most important men in my life -my husband nd my father, James Whitley.

Danny and I have gained satisfaction, both spiritually and financially, from growing foods at our farm in Laneville.  We feel that food grown in a natural manner is conducive to sound health. We love the atmosphere here and hope some day there will be an even better life in Rusk County and the world for Daniel James to enjoy.

I hope the people of Rusk County never forget what they are here for ---to love others as themselves, with fairness and justice for all. 

Looking backward with gratitude for a fulfilling life, I look optimistically onward to a future fortified with love -where people have cancelled their bonds of indifferences and racial bias and have discovered love among themselves, even when it seems hard. 

Submitted by Mrs. Danny Odom