Calfee, Odell Wiley
Odell Wiley Calfee, 89, rejoined her favorite Rook partner in Heaven on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. Despite her best efforts, her weary body would not allow her to remain with us any longer, and she left this world peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.
Odell Mae Wiley was born on May 23, 1933, in Mercer County, West Virginia. She began a simple, country life growing up on Bent Mountain, until her parents moved the family to Athens. There she finished school, earned her teaching degree from Concord College, and met the love (and laughter) of her life, Jack Baker Calfee. After marriage, she and Jack lived in Parkersburg and Vienna, W.Va., where they were blessed with the arrival of their three boys, and eventually landed in Radford, Virginia where they spent the rest of their lives. Odell led a busy life – as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Civics teacher and substitute teacher, a member of The Women’s Club, Newcomers Club, and Grove United Methodist Church, and even a budding watercolor artist.
She had a wide variety of interests and talents. Odell always took an active interest in current events and politics, and she felt it was her mission to spark an interest in government in her children, grandchildren, and students. She was also a true “Mother Nature,” who loved flowers, gardening, and birds, and found beauty in every season. Odell exemplified the phrase the more the merrier, and truly loved large family gatherings where she would best show her love for everyone through cooking, whether it was a big Southern breakfast with eggs, biscuits and sausage gravy, or a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings. She celebrated every holiday with decorations ranging from whimsical to elegant, and eagerly awaited our reactions to them when we arrived. Odell’s spirit will surely live on in her family’s future holiday gatherings, the landscapes she beautified at each of her residences, and the students and friends she inspired with her humor and dedication to learning.
Odell Calfee was preceded in death by her parents, Henderson Stewart Wiley and Glady Kessinger Wiley; siblings James Wiley, Danise Bauguess, and Minnie Blankenship; and her beloved husband Jack Baker Calfee.
She is survived by her sons, Kent Calfee (Rhea), Scott Calfee (Cindy), Todd Calfee (Kathy), 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and countless other family members who loved her and will miss her larger-than-life personality. The family would also like to thank Amy Coleman and Jeannie Grant for the loving care and companionship they provided Odell the last few years.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2023 at Grove United Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. Reception immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, Odell requested that donations be made to Grove United Methodist Church, 1020 Tyler Avenue, Radford, VA 24141.
March 31, 2023 @ 9:21 am
Dear Kent, Scott and Todd,
I am so sad to hear about your mother. She had the best sense of humor! I well remember her beautiful all-glass ornament Christmas trees, gardens, and the greeting cards she made. She was always so welcoming to our “loner” brother.
I can imagine her, Tar and Libby back together for their morning coffee after getting the kids off to school. Always being careful to leave by the same door they entered.
She was a jewel.
Ann
March 31, 2023 @ 9:20 pm
Dear Kent, Scott and Todd,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. She was the funniest woman in our circle In College Park. Your parents were wonderful neighbors and friends. Years ago they came to Florida with my mom and stayed with us to go to a VA Tech game in Miami. We had a blast. Will cherish all the memories.
Sending much love and fond memories.
Sally Sevareid