Elaine Bagby Odell

Elaine Bagby Odell passed peacefully into the loving arms of Jesus Sunday, May 31st, 2026 with her family at her bedside. She was born November 17th, 1941, to the late Roy and Maggie Kiser Bagby. Elaine is survived by her husband Charlie Odell, with whom she shared a wonderful life with, celebrating 64 years of marriage, her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Tom Duncan, son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Paige Odell, granddaughters, Caroline and Carleigh Odell, brother Harley Bagby and wife Shirley, sister Kay McLain, sister-in-law, Lurene Odell and numerous nieces and nephews.

 Elaine was raised in the Chicopee Village in Georgia. During her childhood and teenage years, she formed lifelong friendships with neighbors and schoolmates in the village that lasted for more than eighty years. She had a keen interest in music at an early age, and when she was nine years old, she began piano and organ lessons, and when she was fourteen years old, she was playing the organ for Chicopee Baptist Church services. After marriage she shared her musical ability with Redwine Methodist Church for thirty-three years.

Elaine was a banker in her professional career, working at the First National Bank in Gainesville and later with Regions Bank.

During and after retirement, she enjoyed spending time with her family on annual vacations. She and the family traveled to many places throughout America and beyond, but her favorite places to visit were the beaches up and down the east coast. Elaine loved the early morning walks as the sun was rising up over the ocean, and she would often comment about this moment being a new beginning. Out of deep love and respect for her, it became a tradition that the entire family would join her on these early morning adventures, and those memories will be with us for a lifetime.

Elaine’s kitchen was a place of warmth where she brought her children and grandchildren together and taught them how to prepare her legendary meals and desserts. Family birthdays and holidays will always be special memories where she would share her knowledge and experience in making homemade hen and dressing, other side dishes, cakes, cookies and chocolates. Those times often turned cooking into a cherished, generational bonding experience, and created a sense of love, security and heritage for the entire family.

In later years Elaine was affectionately known as “Mona”, and she was the heart of our family. Her love was unconditional, her presence comforting because she was a great listener, and her selfless spirit was known by everyone who knew her. She lived a life of service to her family, friends and community, always placing the needs of others before her own. The Bible was her guide in how to live a Godly life. Many times, she would be seen in a serene setting with her Bible and studying how to gain additional insights into deepening her faith. Her deep and abiding trust in God was evident throughout her life, and her legacy will be a woman of compassion and humility. Elaine will also be remembered for her quiet strength, dignity and grace, and for being a source of courage and love for her family. She will be remembered by friends and family as a model of faith, resilience, and inspiration through both easy and difficult times. With her passing the family takes comfort in knowing she has been made whole again.

In loving memory of a beautiful life well-lived, and she will remain in our hearts forever.

Memorial Park Main

Visitation - Thursday, June 4th, 2026,

2:00pm - 4:00pm and 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Redwine Methodist Church

Funeral - Friday, June 5th, 2026, 11:00am

Phoenix Senior Living Center

The family of Elaine Odell wishes to express their sincere gratitude to The Phoenix Senior Living Center at Braselton. She was there for eight months, and the entire team was compassionate and dedicated to Elaine’s every need. Even on difficult days, your loving care was a blessing, and the family will be forever thankful for Phoenix.

Family Hospice

The family of Elaine Odell extends heartfelt thanks to Family Hospice. She entered your care on November 19th, 2025, and your dedication and kindness over the past six months transformed a painful time into one of peace and dignity. We are forever grateful for the comfort you provided to our entire family.

Memorial Park Funeral Home

Thank you to Memorial Park Funeral Home staff for your exceptional care and support during this difficult time. The Odell family deeply appreciates your professional care and kindness during our time of bereavement. Family and friends We would like to thank you for your kind expressions of sympathy, and most of all, your prayers.

Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Drive, Gainesville, Georgia 30504 is in charge of the arrangements.

Send online condolences to memorialparkfuneralhomes.com 

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