Ruth Odessa Lee

Life Adventures of “Odessa”

Ruth “Odessa” Wilson-Lee was God’s gift born to Stephen Wilson and Mary White-Wilson in Princess Anne County, VA on February 3, 1944. She was predeceased by one son, Robert Christopher and sister, Geraldine Langhorne of New Jersey.

Odessa had an awesome personality full of love, kindness and at times was known for “speaking up” to correct or support others when necessary. She was educated in the historical Princess Anne County, Seatack area in Virginia Beach, VA. She graduated from Union Kempsville High School in the early 1960’s.

Odessa worked many jobs throughout her life. She was a cashier at Seatack’s Wilson Market, a taxi driver and a dump truck driver. Eventually she settled at the Virginia Beach School Board as a cook. After retirement, Odessa became a taxi driver again, but only for her grandchildren.

Odessa joined Rehoboth Baptist Church at an early age. She served on the usher board, drove the church van and sang in the adult choir. You would often hear her leading songs. One of the most remembered was “On Time God”. She truly loved her pastor and church family.

Odessa was the loving, firm mother of four sons, Darryl “Freddie”, Elijah “Eddie”, Steven; one daughter, Tomeika. Her family grew to 24 grandchildren; 35 great grands; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. She also leaves to cherish her memory, a very special friend, Rosetta Richardson.