Welcome to
JENNIFER RENEE ODOM
Jennifer Renee Odom; Aug 25, 1980 - Feb 19, 1993
BARTHLE FAMILY -family tree INDEX (A list of names) for DESCENDANT click here
The life of Jennifer Renee Odom
The first daughter of Renee & Sidney Odom)
News Video "2011"
-------
1993
I would like to recognize some of the support shown, due to this tragedy:
1. At her school, a tree was planted in her memory, the teachers bought and placed a 2000+ pound stone in a landscaped corner in the courtyard dedicated to her memory, and a sign at the front of the school, states "Remember Jenny, Don't walk alone."
2. At our church, along the walking path a landscaped memorial has been erected. The members of the CYO that made the trip to Denver to see the Pope in August, dedicated their trip to her memory. While in Denver they addressed a letter to the Pope advising him of this and since returning home, received a letter from the Vatican in acknowledgment.
3. In San Antonio more than a half block of landscape has been planted in her memory.
4. In June the North Florida Barefoot Water Ski Club sponsored a "Jennifer Odom Memorial Barefoot Tournament" and raised funds to that an endowment has been set up with the American Water Ski Association to give an annual $1,500 "Jennifer Odom Memorial Scholarship" to an American Junior Barefoot Skier who shows dedication and good sportsmanship. The scholarship to be awarded each year at the National Barefoot Tournament usually held in August. Other funds received from this tournament went to the FFA Chapter and the Band at her school, to "Missing Childrens" and to help fund and organize, with the guidance and support of the Pasco County Sheriff's Department, "The Community Child Watch Program".
5. This year, the first year in the 18 year existence of Dade City's, "Church Street Christmas", the entire three days will be dedicated to the Memory of Jennifer and the theme will be a "Country Christmas", due to her admiration and friend in Vince Gill and Country Music.
There were many, many more expressions of love and support given that can not be acknowledged here, but we thank God each day we were given the privilege to be a part of her life.
I thank each and every one of YOU, coast-to-coast for YOUR PRAYERS and SUPPORT. I really love all of you. --MARGIE--
No words can express the feelings we all have had this year. We were so torn apart by Jennifer's terrible tragedy. Yet, we were all brought closer. Being part of a large family that is as terrific as ours, is simply wonderful. Each of you is so special. As a tribute to Jenny, I would like to say that I think of her every morning on my way to work when I see parents waiting at the bus stops with their children. Jenny has created an awareness that unfortunately has become so necessary. She was very special--an angel on earth, but now she's our guardian angel in heaven. --MELDA--



GOODBYE JENNY

A friend to all, always loved,
Always there to help someone.

Once a bright and chipper child,
Her spirits, her humor wild.
she very rarely never smiled.

Skiing was her claim to fame.
Trophies and plaques bore her name.

With or without skis she'd glide
Through the gentle swaying tide.

The band is where I knew her from.
She'd make her clarinet beautifully hum.

Through her music

she would play,
Ready for another day.

Then one day there came a fuss.
She cheerily got off the bus.

She turned to wave to friends with cheer,
Not noticing that someone was near.
Then she was taken from those held dear.

The sorrow completely filled the school,
Who'd have done something this cruel?

Some moped, as others asked why.
All others could do was cry.

For six days, cheer was low.
And then there came the final blow.

"A 12-year-old was found dead."
This is what the news said.

Shock and grief filled the school.
This was definitely too cruel.

Things will never be the same,
No matter what the people say.

Wow she's just a spirit flying high,
In that beautiful, big, blue shy.

Bright and shiny as a penny.
My final words....

Goodbye, Jenny.