Darcell Odum Obituary
Darcell Osceola Moselle East Odom of Fayetteville, North Carolina passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2024, after leading an inspiring 70 years of life. Darcell was born on October 22, 1953, in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Elizabeth and Clarence East.
Darcell married William Morris and from this union her beloved son David was born. She went on to marry the love of her life, Bobby Joe Odom who preceded her in death. Her brother,
Derrick East preceded her in death also. Darcell’s illustrious educational journey began at Edmondson Senior high school where she played piano for the choir. She continued her education at Virginia Union University and graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Baltimore in Maryland. Subsequently, Darcell earned two Master’s degrees from the Joint Military Intelligence College in Military Science and Strategic Intelligence. She grew up in Providence Baptist Church and was a delegate to the Youth Conference of the Lott Carey Convention. Perhaps this is where Darcell’s dedication to serving others began.
Darcell had a thirst for knowledge and a passion for living life to the fullest. Her career accolades are just as notable as her educational triumphs. She worked as an Executive Assistant at Maryland National Bank, CTB Maryland lobby Associates, the Smithsonian Institute and the Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference (APEC). She continued her career working with the criminal investigation division of the U.S. ARCOM Department and as an Executive Program Coordinator for the United States Department of State where she earned several Superior and Meritorious awards from both the Bureau of African Affairs and the Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs. Darcell also worked as a mediator for the Cumberland County Dispute Resolution Center in Fayetteville, North Carolina, and as an emergency strategic coordinator for North Carolina FEMA and the American Red Cross. Darcell’s career journey of serving others ended with her position as a Senior Care Giver at Home Instead in Fayetteville, North Carolina.
Darcell was known for her strength of character, fierce independence and her ability to show care and compassion to her friends and others. Most importantly, the way she loved and cared for her son David. Where Darcell was, so was David. Countless adventures with this traveling duo. From their first flight in a helicopter, to Disney World to Skydiving, Roller Skating or a
simple dip in the pool, where Darcell was so was David.
She enjoyed redecorating, running her Wedding Coordinating business and traveling with her son, David. She was an extraordinary cook and enjoyed trying out new recipes with her family and friends.
She is survived by her beloved son David Alexander Morris, her brother Myron East; her sisters, Nathalia Roberts, Sandra East and Nedra East-Miji; niece Jolie East-Miji; her sister-in-life, Janet G. Jones, the newly found love of dear friend, Charles Simmons and a host of family and friends.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, February 22, 2024, at the Sandhills Veteran Cemetery in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Online condolences may be sent the family by going to https://www.lafayettefh.com/obituary/Darcell-Odum
