BENTLEY ROBERT ODOM, SR. AGE: 86 LONG BRANCH Bentley Robert Odom, Sr. was called home by the Lord December 27, 2010 on his 86th birthday at King Manor Care Center, Neptune. He was one of nine children born to Thomas and Viola Odom in the rurally challenging southern city of Blackville, South Carolina. As a young man he worked on the family farm. In 1947 he met Remell Bellinger and they married on March 13, 1948. They moved north and settled in Long Branch, New Jersey where they raised their six sons. He was a construction worker belonging to the United Laborers Union. He was an active member in the Lord’s service at Trinity African Methodists Episcopal Church, Long Branch. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Stewards. A member of the Male Ushers, the Male Chorus, Finance Commission and a former member of the Board of Trustees and the seacoast Ushers Union. His most favorite part of serving the Lord was making sure the Food Pantry was well stocked, visiting the sick and shut-ins and bringing people to and from church. His usual response when asked for help was “yes indeedie”. He will be greatly missed by all who had the good fortune of crossing path during our life’s journey but he left us with a legacy loving memories that bring us joy and that will get us through this difficult time. REMELL BELLINGER ODOM, 69, of LONG BRANCH, died Sunday at home. She was a private duty nurse. She was a former member of Trinity African Methodist Episcopal Church, Long Branch, and later studied with Jehovah’s Witness, Long Branch. Mrs. Odom was born in Blackville, S.C., and lived in Long Branch for the past 50 years. Surviving are her husband, Bentley four sons, Bentley R. and Thomas Clifford, both of Long Branch, Donald, Newark, and Gregory Frank, Hamilton Township; a brother, Garfield Bellinger, Newark; two sisters, Easter Reeves and Rosa Alexander, both of Long Branch; nine grandchildren; and a great-grandchild. #BlackLove #BlackFamily #BlackMarriage #AfricanAmerican #BlackAmerican