Ruby Odom, former Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom’s wife, views her husband’s casket during the public viewing Nov. 26 at the city council chambers. Elzie Odom died on Nov. 17 at 96.
The public viewing for former Mayor Elzie Odom on Wednesday unfolded with a quiet warmth.
Soft conversations drifted through the Arlington City Council Chambers as photos of Odom moved across a screen – glimpses into a life defined by service, leadership and deep community roots.
Odom, Arlington’s first Black city council member and mayor, died earlier this month at 96. As friends and loved ones gathered for his viewing, they weren’t just mourning a loss, they were celebrating the life of a man who helped shape Arlington and who left a legacy that stretched far beyond the 14 years he spent in office.
“He was a trailblazer in the community,” Amber James, Odom’s granddaughter, said. “He always felt like service was important and it was to be part of your life, and he taught us that from a very young age.”
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross goes in to hug Ruby Odom during former Arlington mayor Elzie Odem’s public viewing Nov. 26 at the city council chamber. Odom served Arlington as an elected official for 14 years.
Growing up, James said Odom had a motto he instilled in his family: “Ain’t no free lunch.” She remembered laughing at the saying with her family, wondering what it meant.
“It actually means,” she said, “service is the price you pay for the life you live.”
Odom carried that motto with him throughout his own.
His service reached far beyond city hall as he gave his time to the Rotary Club of Arlington, the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of America and the Boys and Girls Club of America, and his faith as a deacon at Mount Olive Baptist Church.
Those who knew Odom said his greatest devotion was to his family.
Elzie and Ruby Odom were married for 78 years, having fallen in love during their teenage years. In a borrowed suit, he and Ruby exchanged vows, according to Arlington Today.
Alisa Simmons, Tarrant County Precinct 2 Commissioner, hugs Barbara Odom-Wesley, Arlington City Council member, during former Arlington mayor Elzie Odem’s public viewing Nov. 26 at the city council chamber. Odom-Wesley is the eldest daughter of Elzie Odom.
“It was just a perfect example of a committed relationship of love and support,” James said. “Divorce was not even a word; it was you’re committed, and you’re going to stay no matter what. They honored each other, they loved each other, cared for each other, like no other that you’ll ever see again.”
Bruce Maxwell, Arlington resident and member of Mount Olive Baptist Church, 66, said Odom was a kind, compassionate and loving person.
Maxwell said that Odom never raised his voice, and about three weeks before his passing, the church presented him with an award.
“A humble man he was,” Maxwell said. “Wasn’t one to look for praise, more of a bringing people together.”
Arlington Mayor Jim Ross hugs Barbara Odom-Wesley, Arlington City Council member, during former Arlington mayor Elzie Odem’s public viewing Nov. 26 at the city council chamber. The viewing was from 2 to 5 p.m.
Fairfax, Virginia, resident Barbara Carter, 80, served as the first Black chairwoman on the Planning and Zoning Commission through a nomination by Odom. She said she saw Odom as a respectable, distinguished and wise councilman.
“I can be kind of a loose watch sometimes,” Carter said, laughing. “And he would keep me calm.”
Carter said Odom always pulled the best out of people.
“It was almost like, when I grow up, I want to be like him,” she said.
The lessons taught by Odom stayed with his daughter, Barbara Odom-Wesley, as she charted her own path in public life.
Odom-Wesely said her father never pushed her toward serving on the council, but she said it’s been an honor to “follow the path that he blazed.”
Family members and the Arlington community gather during former Arlington mayor Elzie Odem’s public viewing Nov. 26 at the city council chamber. A slide show of photos was played on the screen during the ceremony.
Odom-Wesely said Odom came from humble beginnings and soared to great heights. He was a public servant, believed in helping others and treated everyone with respect, she said.
“He lived 96 abundantly blessed years. You can look at all that he accomplished, and it was nothing but a blessing,” Odom-Wesely said. “That’s what life is about, so I’m celebrating his life.”
@tay._.sansom