Berdie Onez Odom was born Feb. 12, 1925, in Florence County, S.C., to the late Ola and Janie McWhite. She attended Florence County public schools and graduated from Wilson High School in 1945. She came to Christ at a young age and joined St. Luke A.M.E. Church in Pamplico, S.C.
After high school, Berdie moved to Pittsburgh then later to Washington, D.C., where she met the love of her life, the late Emory F. Acker Sr. They were united in holy matrimony in December 1949 and blessed with seven children. They joined Little Ark Baptist Church where the family served faithfully for many years. She loved the Lord, had great faith and was a prayer warrior.
Three of her children, Gertrude, Kenneth and Gerard, preceded her in death. Berdie loved family and was happiest when she was surrounded by her children and grandchildren. She had many adopted children, grandchildren, sisters and extended family.
She married the late Eugene Odom in 1973. They joined Asbury United Methodist Church shortly thereafter. She loved her church and church family and was very active. She served on the Women’s Usher Board, the United Methodist Women Jochebed Group, the South Carolina Club and the Food Pantry.
In addition, she was active with Wilson High School Class of 1945 (the “45ers”) and looked forward to attending their alumni events and homecoming festivities until she became ill. She was a member of the AARP Downtown Chapter and Ward 4 Mini-Commission on Aging and Thrift Chapter. She also worked at the voting polls and was elated to work in the last presidential election where she witnessed the election of America’s first Black president.