Atlantic Ave Magazine - June 2019

egulars | city people
by diane feen | Photo by Melissa korman
Educational Hero
Yvonne Odom is as multi-faceted
as a crystalized gemstone.
She is also as coveted.
The reasons are varied – but the consensus is that Odom is
a one-of-a-kind force to be reckoned with. She embraces all
people and has spent her life nurturing, supporting and encouraging
others.
She also made history.
In 1961 Odom was happy with her school (Carver Middle) and
happy with her life. She had a boyfriend (Eddie Odom Jr), was the
captain of the girls’ basketball team and an attendant for the Royal
Homecoming Court.
But her life was to change drastically – and dramatically – in one
fell swoop.
“I came home from school one day and my father told me I was
chosen to integrate Seacrest High School. I didn’t want to do it at first,
but my teachers and classmates at Carver said, ‘do it.’”
Though they didn’t let her ride in the Seacrest High School bus
(teacher Ben Cain drove her) Odom was the perfect study of equanimity.
She melded into the school seamlessly with a bit of cautiousness
and a load of character and strength.
“I knew I had a purpose. I needed to be successful because so many
people were depending on me. I was a good student and didn’t curse
or fight,” said the retired Delray teacher.
Though she heard some name calling in the distance, Odom said
most of her fellow students and teachers were good to her. There
was some fear that little Ms. Odom might be over her head integrating
Seacrest High School, but those people must not have known
her very well.
But friends like Clovis Moodie do. “Yvonne is an incredibly strong
person and has battled giants and come out victorious. She was
fiercely dedicated as a teacher, and leader in the educational system,
and continues to be committed to improving the quality of life for
those she interacts with.”
Odom was a legendary teacher in the Delray school system, a visionary
in planning for the future of Delray Beach, and a mentor to
students and teachers who walked beside her.
“Mrs. Odom was the epitome of an excellent teacher while I had
the honor of knowing her. She’s always been a knowledgeable champion
of teacher’s rights, a mentor, a prayer warrior, a confidant and
a friend. She also played a key role in making me the educator I am
today,” said Carver Middle School teacher, Robyn Wilson.
Odom made it her business to make sure her students took learning
as seriously as she did. Since many were ‘at risk’ she knew they
needed nurturing and support rather than punishment and shaming.
“I told them ‘I am in charge of these four walls and when you come
to school you need to learn.’ Being involved in their lives was important
so I could see their talents outside the classroom. This way I
could work on the total child and find their strengths.”
Odom had good educational role models. Her father, Rev. Dr. Randolph
M. Lee, earned a BA Degree from Bethune-Cookman College
and did graduate work at University of Pennsylvania. He taught public
school and moved the family to Boynton Beach to become the Pastor
of St. John Missionary Baptist Church.
Dr. Lee’s leadership was so auspicious (the church website says)
it was impossible to mention all his accomplishments. He was, however,
instrumental in purchasing property in Boynton to build a sanctuary
and Christian School.
Her grandfather was also a college graduate. “In my family we have
five generations of college educated people, that is very unusual for
black people.”
But there is nothing average about Odom. She has been married to
Eddie Odom Jr. for 53 years and taught school in Delray for 45 years.
She also beat stage 4 lung cancer.
Odom had chemo every three weeks (for two years) and beat the
slim odds of survival. “God was in this whole plan with me. The surgeon
on call was the best heart surgeon. She prayed with me and
asked God to guide her hands.”
Her friends and family got down on their knees to pray for her, but
Odom wasn’t going down without a fight. “Instead of saying,’ why me,’
I said, ‘why not me.’ I knew I was going to fight this.”
Rest assured Odom did fight and came out victorious.
But, that’s how she rolls.
She was always strong and determined despite any roadblocks
put in her way. She played basketball and track in high school, and
archery and soccer in college (at FAU and PBC). She was a teachers’
union representative, involved in the Classroom Teachers Association
and a club sponsor for the Future Teachers of America.
Odom was a track coach at Carver Middle School and spearheaded
the “The Carver Way” with other teachers at the school. The goal
was to improve student behavior and expectations through a unified
voice that extended into the community.
“Yvonne has consistently demonstrated integrity, strength, professionalism
and commitment to students, schools, family and community.
She was fiercely dedicated to her profession as a teacher (and
leader) in the educational system and is committed to improving the
quality of life for others,” said Moodie.
Odom is also very involved in the Delray Beach American Little
League Baseball League her husband started in Pompei Park. She’s
served as their president, secretary, and now the VP.
She has three children – educators Joi, Eddie III, and Candi. And,
seven grandchildren and one great grandchild.
When you meet Odom, you feel the texture of her character and the
dimension of her innate goodness. She exudes the enormity of her
past yet is humble about her accomplishments.”
“I like to leave a little piece of myself in everyone I have known. I
am forthright, honest and caring.”
You bet she is. Odom is also down-to-earth and selfless. The city of
Delray Beach is lucky to have her as a citizen and educational mascot.
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