Teresa Sue Odem, age 59, of Springfield, Missouri, passed away on April 26, 2023, of natural causes.  Teresa was born to James Richard Odem and Gloria Jeanne Sharp Odem on March 23, 1964.  She was raised in Independence, Missouri, and attended William Chrisman High School.  Teresa was preceded in death by her fiancé, Aaron Hackman.  Teresa was blessed with one loving daughter, Nicole Marie Pounders, her son-in-law Kevin Pounders, and one beautiful granddaughter, Grace Marie Pounders.

Teresa had many talents, which included: singing, writing poetry, gardening, and the gift of gab.  She had a giving heart and donated many hours in service to those in need.  Above all, she loved Jesus.  The top priority in her daily life was time spent worshiping and studying the word.   Teresa was quick-witted, an animated story-teller, could belt out a song on demand, and you could trust that she would light up the room.  Teresa leaves behind a legacy of being an overcomer, which demonstrated to others the power of God.

Teresa was preceded in death by her father, James Richard Odem; her mother, Gloria Jeanne Odem; Nicole’s father, Jack Gillispie; her brother, Stephen Phillip Odem; brother-in-law, Larry Harris; sister-in-law, Wendy Gillispie; nephew, Christopher Blake White; and several other family members.  Teresa is survived by her sisters, Audrey Lea Harris, Nancy Jeannette Trapp and spouse Gerard Francis Trapp, Lynette Elaine McBratney and spouse Clarke Laird McBratney, and Coleen Dawn Lamb and spouse Jeffrey Lee Lamb; as well as Jack’s parents, Tony and Shelia Alvarez; and many nieces, nephews, aunts,  and uncles.

A private memorial service for Teresa will be held on Wednesday, May 3, 2023, in Springfield, Missouri.