Loretta Phillips O'Dell

Loretta Phillips O'Dell, 73, of Canton, GA, passed away on January 26, 2025, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. Loretta was born on March 19, 1951, in Alpharetta, Georgia and was a 1969 graduate of Milton High School. She then attended Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville where she majored in textile marketing. Loretta was active in the communities in which she lived. While raising her two children, she was an active member of the PTA at the former Northwestern Elementary School. At the Birmingham Baptist Church, where she was a lifelong member, Loretta taught Sunday School, led the choir, and played piano. She went on to establish a career in the banking equipment industry in the greater Atlanta area. In December of 2020, Loretta retired and resided with her husband, Randy O'Dell, in their Canton home, the home where they were married in 2004. Loretta and Randy built a life together that brought both of them immense happiness – which was palpable in their presence. 

Loretta was known for her infectious laugh and sharp wit, and because she was a voracious reader, those who dared challenge her to a game of Scrabble were nearly always defeated.Loretta did face many challenges and hardships in her life but handled them all with strength, grace and perseverance – and an ample dose of humor. In doing so, she taught her children the value of resilience and self-reliance, which are values they carry to this day. 

She is preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Dale Phillips; and her parents, Alice and Oscar Phillips, of Alpharetta, Georgia. 

Loretta is survived by her husband of 21 years, Mr. Randy O'Dell, of Canton; her daughter, Lauren Anthony Paine of Alpharetta; her son, Wes Anthony (Kim) of Daphne, AL; step-daughter, Devon Ogara (Bob) of Atlanta; step-daughter, Brittany O'Dell (Tyler Held) of New York, NY; and eight grandchildren (Elizabeth, Carter, Emma, Cooper, Audrey, Harper, Flynn, Snowden); with one grandchild and one great-grandchild on the way. She is also survived by her sister, Diane Phillips Carter (Joe); and nephew, Ryan Carter, of Alpharetta; her uncle, Don Phillips (Linda), of Jasper, GA; and numerous other family members in the greater north Georgia area.

A memorial service will be held on February 8th, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Birmingham Baptist Church, 770 Hickory Flat Road, Milton, GA. Interment will be held at Birmingham Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the services in the church fellowship hall.