Elder Cleveland Ricardo Odom, Sr. Obituary (1955

Elder Cleveland R. Odom Sr., son of the late Cleveland and Peggy Odom was born June 24, 1955, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. After an extensive period of sickness, pain and suffering, the early morning of August 6, 2025 he answered the call of his master and boarded the Heaven bound train Cleveland was known for his outgoing, charismatic, loving, comedic personality and he never met a stranger. His ability to make friends effortlessly ignited an undeniable attraction between him and the beautiful Vernita Battle. On May 10, 1970, his friendship with Vernita blossomed into a love story. He became motivated to prepare himself to be a family man which led him to join the United States Army in the year of 1973. He faithfully served his country, not only stateside, but also in Korea achieving the rank of Seargent. He honorably held the positions of 25C - Radio Operator Maintainer and 31B Military Policeman. Upon his return from the military, Vernita and Cleveland united in holy matrimony in June, 1974. This union lead to the cultivation of a miraculous ministry. He and his wife Vernita started Holy Tabernacle of Deliverance Ministries Inc., in the year 1996 in Rocky Mount, North Carolina. He served as a Deacon and Sunday School Teacher. The family, then relocated and the ministry was moved to Brooklet, Georgia. He entered the ministry in the year of 2001. He served as co-Pastor and Elder until August 8, 2025, when he transitioned to Heaven. He was a faithful and loving Pastor. Cleveland experienced multiple health challenges which included end stage renal disease for over 40 years. Despite his medical diagnosis, he remained unwavering in his faith and ministry. He was a relentless and courageous spiritual warrior who fought a good fight until the end. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Cleveland and Peggy Odum; a son, Carlos; siblings Daneast Hatcher, Tamja Lyons, and Anthony Odom; in-love parents, Doris Battle and James Williams; in-love siblings Lethea Battle, Janet Moore, and Ida Moore. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife, Vernita; his children Temicca, Cleveland, Jr., Contwella, Jeremy (Cheree) McGhee, and Brittany (Allen) Wooden; siblings Janice, Deborah Johnson, Alvarez; siblings in-love Lottie (Joseph) Lancaster, Alethea Jones, Willie Moore; grandchildren De-Aerius, Justin (Taylor), Christian, Michael, Khari Mathis, charity, Ryan Coley, Caleb, Ellis McGhee, Isabella and Tate Wooden, Jeremy McGhee, Jr., great grandchildren, Liam, Alexander, Charlotte, and a host of aunt's, uncle's nieces, nephew's other family and friends. Family visitation & Viewing will be held on Friday, August 15, 2025, from 5:00 - 9:00 PM at Holy Tabernacle of Deliverance Ministries, Inc., 967 Hwy 24, Statesboro, GA 30461. Funeral services to honor the life and legacy of Elder Cleaveland R. Odom, Sr., will be held at 12:00 PM (Noon) on Saturday, August 16, 2025, at Miller Grove Missionary Baptist Church, 7829 Hwy 24, Statesboro, GA 3046; Apostle Ruby Ruth Ross, eulogist; Apostle Tyrone Smith, presiding; Rev. Harry J. Tremble, Jr., pastor. Burial will follow at Eastside Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be his grandsons; Jeremy McGhee. Michael Ryan Coley, De'Aerius Odom, Alex Viljoen, Justin Odom and Brandin Hill. Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements. Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.