Committal
Odell Witherspoon, 80, of Morganton, NC went home to be with the Lord, Wednesday, May 22, 2024. Born in Maryland on December 27, 1943, he was the son of the late Howard and Katherine Witherspoon. He was an avid member of First United Methodist Church Morganton. Odell graduated from Maiden High School and Appalachian Teachers College. He taught math at Western Piedmont Community College for 34 years where he served as the Head of the Math Department and Dean of Natural Science and Engineering. While at WPCC, he won the Excellence in Teaching Award in 1987 and also coached the women’s softball team. Aside from teaching, Odell was also a realtor for many years. He was an avid woodworker and enjoyed making crafts for others. He loved attending craft shows and could not wait to tell others about all the projects he had been working on. In addition to woodworking, Odell loved to garden and be outdoors. He was always so proud of his produce. Odell was a family man and never missed anything his children or grandchildren were involved in.
Odell is survived by his wife of 52 years, Mary Ellen Witherspoon; children, Leslie Carpenter (Jeremy), Jamie Sisk (Clay); daughter-in-law, Tanya Witherspoon; six grandchildren who were his pride and joy, Carson Witherspoon, Tucker Sisk, Tanner Carpenter, Allie Witherspoon, Courtney Sisk, Abigail Carpenter; sisters, Nancy Childres, Mert Hass (Kenneth); and a number of nieces, nephews, and extended family.
In addition to his parents, Odell is preceded in death by his son, Chris Witherspoon, brother, Marty Witherspoon.
A celebration of Odell’s life will be held at 3pm, Wednesday, May 29, 2024, at First United Methodist Church Morganton with the Rev. Dana McKim officiating. The family will receive friends following the service on the front lawn of the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the FUMC Wood Ministry.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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Leave a tribute for Odell Witherspoon.
Though it’s been many years since I’ve seen yourfamily, I have known you for almost my entire life. Such dear friends of my parents, with both of them asking about you before they, too left this earth. My heartfelt sorrow and great sympathies to all of you during this time of grief. Odell made such a great impact on his community. I know how much he’ll be missed. Holding your family close today and always.
Had the pleasure of working with Odell at Western Piedmont Community College when he served as dean of the Sciences and Engineering division. I greatly respected Odell as my senior colleague who helped me get started in the educational field. We had many good times together, he will be greatly missed. My condolences to Mary Ellen, children, relatives and all who knew him.
Leslie and Family, You're in our prayers and thoughts during this sad time. We pray for Gods Peace and comfort for you. We love you.
Our sincere condolences to your family.
Odell and I were colleagues for 20 years in the Mathematcs Department of Western Piedmont Community College. There we served together to establish the college transfer mathematics curriculum. We were working copanions as well as good friends. Odell will be sorely missed by family, friends and community. My wife Sarah Anne and I send our sincerest condolences to Mary Ellen, children, grandchildren and other relatives and friends.
So sorry for your loss. Please accept our sincerely condolences. May you find comfort in Gods promises.
You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. Love from Mary Stuart & Larry.
Odell taught me physics at WPCC and sold me a few homes. He was an outstanding man of character and will be missed on this earth....
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Mary Ellen, and with your entire family. I know Odell was the light of your life. Your love for each other is an incredible example of God's love. May the PEACE of our Lord be with you at this difficult time. I will continue to pray for you and your family. You are a wonderful person and have been a perfect wife for Odell. Love, Becky Myrick-Poteat