THE DAYTONA BEACH NEWS-JOURNAL
Daytona Beach, Florida
Saturday, September 23, 2017


Odell Strickland Clegg, who volunteered much of her time on this earth to spreading the gospel through music and teaching, has joined her Creator at age 87.

She leaves behind hundreds of children and adults that she taught to better understand Christ's teachings and through her choirs, she taught God's gift of music.

Growing up in one of Flagler County's pioneer families, Odell enjoyed a full life as a cowgirl with her family, headed by Marcus Strickland, Sr. and Sadie Strickland. They "cowhunted" on their woodlands from Favorita to what later became Plantation Bay.

At the same time she was proud of being a tomboy, she was also studying music, and her golden voice was later heard from Peabody Auditorium and the Bandshell in Daytona, to recitals and large churches in Jacksonville, Fla.

Odell's dedication to Christ was catalyzed by the tragic and sudden death of her father when she was 16 years of age. She briefly considered missionary work but instead dedicated her life to following and serving Jesus Christ. She directed adult and youth choirs in Hastings and Bunnell churches over the years, including First Baptist Church of Bunnell and Community Baptist Church in Korona. She also taught Sunday school classes, and was active in the Women's Missionary Union and other organizations in various churches. Above all, she believed in prayer as a solution to life's challenges and always cherished pastors who steeped themselves in the Bible with humble and prayerful spirits. She took great pride when one of her students discovered Christ as their Savior or when a person in need found answers or direct help from prayer.

Odell joined the Lord and her mother and father on September 19, 2017 in the presence of her husband Frank Clegg, just four days shy of their 66th Anniversary. She had endured a lengthy illness and repeatedly surprised those around her with her strength and true grit.

She is also survived by her sons Marvin and Dale Clegg, and their wives who served as faithful daughters, Melissa and Tracey, respectively. She took great pride and delight in her grandchildren Keira (Dale and Tracey's), Hailey and Keeton (Marvin and Melissa's).

Sibling survivors are Kris Deal, Wilda Hargett, Junior Strickland, and Marvin Strickland. She also leaves fond memories with scores of beloved nieces and nephews who loved their Auntie for her straight talk, humor, and obvious affection for them.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Community Baptist Church, 956 S. Old Dixie Hwy, Bunnell this Monday, September 25, 2017 at 4 p.m. Visitation with family and friends will be at 3 p.m. there.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting any donations be made to Samaritan's Purse to help with hurricane and other Christian relief works.

Arrangements are entrusted to Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.