Odell Myles, Jr - Obituary, July 2026

Odell Myles Jr. was born September 16th, 1942, in a rural community just outside Magnolia, Mississippi. The midwife who delivered him told his mother that she should name him Odell Jr., after his father.  However, his mother had already decided to name him Leo, and for the first 12 years of his life, that is the name everyone called him. When the family later needed his birth certificate, they discovered that the midwife had gotten her way.  His official name had been recorded as Odell Myles Jr.  According to the State of Mississippi, the matter was settled, and from that day forward, he proudly went by the name Odell.

Growing up, Odell worked alongside his father on the family farm, where they raised corn, potatoes, cotton, watermelons, and many other crops.  The family also produced and shipped Grade A milk.  Through this upbringing, Odell developed a lifelong love for gardening.  Over the years, he cultivated large backyard gardens, harvesting tomatoes, okra, black-eyed peas, green beans, yellow squash, zucchini, and many other vegetables.  He also became known for making delicious homemade preserves from pears, peaches, figs, and other fruits.

In 1960, after visiting family in Oroville, California, Odell's parents decided to relocate to California as construction on the Oroville Dam created new employment opportunities.  At the age of 18, Odell made the move to California with his family.  Soon after arriving, he began attending local churches and singing in church choirs.  His love for gospel music led him to organize a quartet group that ministered through song in churches, homes, and throughout the community.

In 1964, Odell met the love of his life, Ms. Maggie Lee Jackson, who was also originally from Mississippi. They fell in love and were united in marriage on June 27, 1965. Together they built a beautiful life, raising five children and recently celebrating 61 wonderful years of marriage.

In 1967, Odell and Maggie became founding members of New Home Missionary Baptist Church in Oroville, California.  From the church's earliest days, Odell faithfully accepted leadership responsibilities and played a vital role in the construction of the church building.  He later served for many years as Chairman of the Trustee and Deacon Board.

Although Deacon Myles faithfully served in many capacities, he was especially known for his heartfelt prayers and beautiful gospel singing.  He loved the Lord and found great joy in worshiping and serving each Sunday.  Whether offering the opening prayer, reading Scripture, singing a solo, leading the choir, or the congregation in song, he served with humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to God. 

Odell spent many years employed by Las Plumas Lumber Company in Oroville, where he built prefabricated frames for homes.  He lived a simple life centered on faith, family, and service.  He loved gathering his family for holiday barbecues and dinners.  Saturdays he enjoyed fishing, and bringing home a fresh catch for one of Maggie's famous fish fries.  Together, they shared a partnership marked by love, faithfulness, and a deep commitment to God and family.

Though Odell will be greatly missed by his family, church, and community, all who knew him know that he has finished his earthly journey and is now rejoicing forever in the presence of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Odell Myles, Sr. and Matilda Myles; his beloved son, Ydell Myles of Sacramento, California; his brother, Alvia Myles (Carrie); and his sisters, Catherine Grimes (Edward) and Ogelane Baptiste (Joe).

Odell leaves to cherish his precious memory by his beloved wife of 61 years, Maggie Myles; his children, Denise Jones (Pastor Ray Jones) of Tracy, CA; Janice Myles of Sacramento, CA; Tamika Myles of Hawthorne, CA; and Derek Myles of Lancaster, CA.  He also leaves his cherished grandchildren, Tyana Johnson (DeShante Johnson) of Sacramento, CA; Darius Jones; Maxwell Myles; and Savannah Myles; his great-grandchildren, Zhuri Johnson and Zaleia Johnson; his sister, Brenda Slack of Sacramento, CA; and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.