Odessa American

Jackie Arnell Smotherman, 90, of Odessa, TX passed away on October 21, 2021, at Courtyard Memory Center in Odessa, Texas. Jackie was born on February 12, 1931, to John and Ruthie Ethyl (Gray) Truesdell in Rural Stephens County, Texas. Jackie attended school in Caddo, Texas. She married Jack Huffman in 1946. They had 4 daughters, Gina, Debbie, Tricia, and Vanessa. Jackie was a barber in Odessa, Tx for 46 years. She owned and operated Rockhill Barber Shop and always considered her customers to be her extended family. She retired at the age of 83. Jackie's barbershop was her platform for her ministry. Jackie was a woman of many talents. She enjoyed sewing, woodworking, toll painting, leather...

David Wayne Smith Jr. was born July 31, 1971 in Long Beach California to David Wayne Sr. and Kathryn Atchley Smith. He left this world on October 19, 2021 in Midland Texas. David was a Free Spirit and loved to ride motorcycles, especially his Indian that he had custom painted. David worked various jobs over the years including the Ector County sheriff's office as a jailer but his favorite by far was his ten-year foster parent career where he and his then wife Shawna Smith raised over 42 foster children. He had lots of beautiful memories of that time. His favorite holiday was Halloween and he loved music of all kinds. He loved the outdoors, guns, hunting and landscaping which he excelled at....

On Sunday, October 17, 2021, Richard Justin Jorgensen, kind and loving father, husband, son, and brother passed away at the age of 36. Justin (JJ), was born on January 21, 1985, to Molly Beard Taylor and Ricky Jorgensen. He was a 2003 graduate of Odessa High School and received his bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Angelo State University in 2008. He married his high school sweetheart, Abby Graves Jorgensen on February 25, 2012. Together they had two precious daughters, Maggie, and Evie. To those who knew him well, Justin was a gentle giant. He was kind and loving to all he met. Quiet by nature, Justin loved the outdoors and the serenity found there. An avid hunter and...

Roger Ferrell Boyd was born in Abilene, Texas, on September 1, 1933, to Ferrell and Fairie Lee Boyd. He entered the gates of heaven on October 17, 2021. The family will receive friends from 5:00 pm to 6:30 pm on Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at Abilene Municipal Cemetery in Abilene, Texas. Roger attended schools in Eula and Abilene, Texas. He was drafted into the U.S. Army in June 1953 and was honorably discharged in March 1955. After returning to Abilene, he met and married the love of his life, his "Bride," Iwanda Brunson. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on...

Billy (Bill) B Hood, aged 81, husband of Laura Hood passed away peacefully at home after a long battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis on, 10/17/2021. Bill was born on February 8, 1940 in Lawton, Oklahoma to William Don Hood and Era Nevelle Martin Hood. Bill graduated from Odessa High school in Odessa, Texas. Bill joined the Army right after graduation serving 3 years. After his discharge from the Army Bill worked 9 years as an operator for General Tire and Rubber in their synthetic rubber facility in Odessa, Texas. In 1970 Bill moved his family to Alvin, Texas where he worked 10 years as a shift supervisor for Amoco Chemicals. In 1980 Bill moved to Saudi Arabia where he worked for Saudi Aramco...

Edith Geraldine Pressly, age 89, of Odessa, Texas passed away on Saturday, October 16, 2021. Edith was born June 12, 1932 to the late Edna Ash and Mel Williams. She married Julian "Coach" Pressly on April 19, 1948 in Fort Worth. She worked for the City of Odessa Water Department and throughout the years also worked for Ector County ISD as a substitute teacher and attendance clerk. Edith enjoyed playing bridge and crafting. She was a member of FBC Odessa since 1953, Odessa Pros (Chamber of Commerce), Medical Center Auxiliary, and WMU. Edith was actively involved with the community through volunteering and leading Sunday School classes. She always enjoyed her role as "cheerleader" for...