Anna Mildred Odessa Hollowell

Anna Mildred Odessa Hollowell was born on March 7, 1922 to Harry & Emma Sibley in St. Louis, MO.  Odessa was educated in the St. Louis public schools where she attended John Marshall Elementary and Charles Sumner High School.

At a young age Odessa married Claude Haynes.  From that union Winniefred, Harold and Martini were born. Martini along with her two younger brothers, John Arthur, Harold William and two grandchildren Andrea & Marcus Haynes preceded her in death.

Odessa later moved to Galesburg, IL where she met Leonard Hollowell, from that union Leonard Hollowell Jr. was born. Years later, Odessa returned to St. Louis, MO where she met Charles King, from that union was born Charles King.

During her working years, Odessa was employed at the Shoe Doctor for over 20 years. While working there, she met her best friend Rudy Morris whose friendship has not changed since that day.

Odessa was not a stranger to anyone and highly loved by many. Although she enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, she “LOVED” playing cards, the lottery (scratch offs) and going to the river boats.. When leaving her presence, you would always leave with a smile on your face and a memory of something she may have said to you. She was loved by many and will truly be missed.

Odessa transitioned on March 11, 2016. She leaves her cherished memories with:  Winniefred (Winnie) Haynes of Los Angeles, CA; Harold Haynes (Carla) of St. Louis, MO; Leonard (Cricket) Hollowell (Diane) of Galesburg, IL; and Charles King (Ann) of St. Louis, MO.

She also leaves treasured memories with her many grandchildren : Sharon, Connie (Jeff), Felicia, Kaonis (Teresa), Kevin, Shaun (Iris), Garland (Jonna), Martini Jr. (Yolanda), Aarolyn, Kimmie Sue, Dawn, Angie, Erica Lynn (Brian), Danyelle (Keith), Caira, Nicole (Aaron), Lawrence,  Brittany and  many great grandchildren and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday, March 17, 2016 at Full Gospel Church, Galesburg.  Funeral services will follow at 12 p.m.  Pastor John Sibley will officiate.  Burial will be in East Linwood Cemetery, Galesburg.  Memorials may be made to the family.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Watson-Thomas Funeral Home and Crematory of Galesburg.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.watsonthomas.com.