Barbara Ann (Hollins) Jones-Odell

Barbara Ann Hollins Jones-Odell was the first born to Willie Jr and Jessie Mae Hollins on August 9, 1953 in Longview, Texas. Barbara accepted Christ as her savior and united with Rollins Church of Christ at a very early age.

Barbara attended Rollins Elementary School, Maggie B Hudson Middle School and Longview High School. She was one of the first black Viewettes at Longview High school and graduated in 1971. She went on to attend Kilgore College, where she was a cheerleader. She graduated with an associate’s degree in data processing in 1973. Upon graduation, she moved to the Chicago area.

She joined the Maypole Ave Church of Christ in Chicago in 1973 and was a faithful member who served diligently including Directing of The Sounds of Melody, singing with The Gospel Emotions, and most recently the treasurer with the Secret Pals Prayer Partners.

In 1975, Barbara began her forty-year career at Hines Veterans Affairs in Illinois as a key punch operator. She was very respected in her field and eventually worked her way up from computer operator, team lead, and finally the Director of Technical support.

On January 26, 1980, Barbara’s dream of becoming a mother came true. Barbara and David Gates gave birth to her only son, Terrence Lamar Jones. He was the apple of her eye and greatest joy. The two had the best relationship a mother and son could have and she was instrumental in his journey to pursue a career in technology.

During her time at the VA, Barbara met Chicago native Randy Odell. After courting for a few years, they married and blended their families on April 22, 1989. They enjoyed over 35 years of marital bliss as she was a devoted wife, mother and bonus mother/grandmother. They both loved traveling all over the country for family events during their union.

 After retirement, she returned to her beloved home in Longview, TX to be close to and help care for her family. Barbara joined and became an active member at Woodland Hill Church of Christ. During this time, she enjoyed traveling and spending time with family including her two youngest grandsons.

Barbara was truly one of a kind. She inspired many through her acts of generosity and kind words. She was strong, encouraging, and did not let anything prohibit her from living a faithful and caring life.

On January 20, 2025, she departed this world. She was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Jessie Hollins and brother Willie Hollins III. Left to bereave her death but cherish her  memories are her loving husband Randy Odell, brothers Peter and Christopher (Rozie) Hollins, son Terrence Jones (Brooke), step-daughters Marcy Odell, Venus Odell, & Toni Vallerio, and step-son Maurice Odell. Grandsons Marcus Odell, Jashon Gardener, Hampton Jones and Harrison Jones. And a host of additional bonus grandchildren, relatives and friends.

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