Mary Ellen Thomas Odom, 82, of Houston, TX passed away suddenly on Thursday, February 26, 2026. She is survived by her son, Dean (Jenifer) Odom of Clermont, FL; sister, Kathy (Gerrard) Hannah of Houston, TX; brother, David Wade "Tommy" Thomas Jr of Houston, TX; granddaughter, Laurel Odom of Clermont, FL; and nephew, Wade Hannah of Houston, TX.

Mary Ellen was born in Belzoni, MS on May 5, 1943, to David and Kathrine Thomas. She graduated from Bobo High School (Clarksdale, Mississippi) in 1961 where she enjoyed playing in the band. She went on to graduate from Delta State University and married Sam Odom of Flora, Mississippi. Most of her career, she worked for the Mississippi Engineering Society in Jackson, MS where she was the Executive Director. She dedicated 32 years to managing the statewide professional engineering association as the only paid employee for the Mississippi Engineering Society until retirement in 2010. While working and helping support her family, she was also a caregiver of her mother and brother, then later to her husband before he passed.

Mary Ellen volunteered her time and skills with the various sports and school activities her son participated in throughout his years in school. She enjoyed listening to Alison Kraus, Bee Gees, country and French horn music. Watching sports like soccer and baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves and Houston Astros were favorites as well. She loved to bake, travel with family, play card games with friends, read, and solve puzzles of any kind. She was a self-taught artist and loved to spend time drawing natural scenes, people, and animals that inspired her. After retirement in 2010, Mary Ellen enjoyed being a grandmother to her two granddaughters, Sami and Laurel Odom. She was a caring and selfless person who always put others' needs before her own and will be truly missed.

She is preceded in death by her parents, David and Katherine Thomas; husband, Sam L. Odom; and granddaughter, Samantha "Sami" Grace Odom.

A graveside service will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, March 19, 2026, in Flora Cemetery, 201 S. First Street, Flora, MS.  She will be laid to rest alongside her husband.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to www.mathcounts.org or planting a tree in her honor.