Virginia Lou Odell was born on June 17, 1934, in Stroud, Oklahoma, to Walter and Helen Ingram. She passed away peacefully on September 27, 2026, with her family by her side. She had made Norman her home since 1955.

On September 6, 1953, Virginia married Jim in Chandler, Oklahoma. They shared 67 years of marriage before Jim’s passing on March 23, 2020. Together, they were blessed with three children, and in the years that followed, grandchildren and great-grandchildren joined the family. Each child and grandchild held a special place in V.O.’s heart.

Virginia was a kind and caring woman who found great joy in helping others. She served as a volunteer and found the opportunity to help others especially rewarding. Her generosity and willingness to give of her time touched many lives.

Another important part of Virginia’s life was her faith. She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Norman, where her church family was an important part of her life.

Virginia spent 36 years serving the University of Oklahoma before retiring as Manager of Academic Advising Services for the College of Arts and Sciences. Her dedication to her work and to the students and colleagues she served was an important part of her life.

After retirement, Virginia and Jim looked forward to November each year, when they would spend time together in Port Aransas, Texas, on the Gulf of Mexico. They also enjoyed peaceful and happy times at their cabin at Lake Texoma, often joined by family and friends. These years were filled with laughter, friendship and treasured memories.

Virginia enjoyed many simple pleasures in life, including reading, listening to music, needlework, vacationing in the Colorado mountains, and sharing wonderful times with her friends. She often spoke about how blessed she was to have so many truly good friends.

Virginia was preceded in death by her husband, Jim Odell and daughter Pam Odell.

She is survived by sons, Jay Odell of Norman, OK and Scott Odell of Norman, OK; sister, Patsy James of Stroud, OK; brother in law, Joe Adell of Stroud, OK; granddaughter, Sarah Odell of Norman, OK; grandsons Travis Odell of Norman, OK and Jason Merz and wife Amanda of Lexington, OK; great granddaughters, Dylan Odell Kesterson of Norman, OK and Isabella Odell Hughbanks of Norman, OK; and great grandson Vance Merz of Lexington, OK.