Mrs. Odessa T. Stallworth
Odessa Taliaferro Stallworth was born on May 20, 1955, to the late Mizell and Norsie Bell Taliaferro of Evergreen, AL. She was the youngest of their eight children; four siblings preceded her in death: Samuel Taliaferro, Elbert Taliaferro, Gene Taliaferro and Ernest Taliaferro.
Odessa attended school in Conecuh County where she graduated from Evergreen High School in 1973. After high school graduation, Odessa enrolled at Alabama State University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in history and special education in 1978. At Alabama State University, she pledged and became a dedicated member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated.
After graduating from college, Odessa accepted employment with the Conecuh County Board of Education. There, she shaped the minds and hearts of many students at Lyeffion, Evergreen and hillcrest High Schools. Her employment in the Conecuh County School System spanned over 34 years. Odessa truly lived out Matthew 25:40 that says “. . . Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me”. She had an unwavering commitment to Special Education and empowering student to live independently. She loved her professional calling and that passion resulted in her receiving numerous service awards that recognized her commitment as an educator and transition coordinator.
Because of her sincere love of the Lord, Odessa gave her life to Christ at an early age and joined the family’s church, Pleasant Hill Missionary Baptist Church. She later joined the Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church where she served faithfully until her natural transition, June 2019. Her faithful service was not only visible in her many roles at Bethesda, it extended beyond Bethesda to her service at Hamden Ridge Missionary Baptist Church.
In 1984, Odessa and Wm. Dwight Stallworth were joined in Holy Matrimony. From this union, two children were born: Kamuel Bryson who preceded her in death, and Portia Rionne. She leaves to cherish her memories; a loving husband, Wm. Dwight; daughter, Portia Rionne; Familial daughter, Kimberly (Howard), Randallstown, MD; Familial son, Warren, Jr., Las Vegas, NV; sister, Rev. Dorothy Taliaferro (Linwood) Staples, Oakland, CA; brothers, Mizell Taliaferro, Jr. (Hattie), Newark, NJ and Booker T. Taliaferro, Evergreen, AL; Sister-In-Laws, Frances Stallworth Jordan and Gale Stallworth (Wendell) Stone; Brother-In-Laws, Warren A. Stallworth, Sr., James V. Stallworth, and Jerald D. (Lisa) Stallworth; Nephews, Omar, Damian, Jarred, Bernard, Vernon, Michael, William, and Thomas; Nieces, Briana, Chevon, Felicia, Heather, Kira, Ashley, Jessica M. (Jeremy), Jessica A., and Michelle; Godson, William Nettles; MeMe’s Special Granddaughter, Summer Reign; extraordinary friends, Shirley Fluker and Pharrie Rogers; and a host of other relatives and friends.
With sincere appreciation, the family wishes to express our heartfelt thanks for the many acts of kindness shown during the passing of our love one. May the good Lord bless thee, and keep thee; the Lord make His face to shine upon thee, and be gracious upon thee; the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace.
- The Family