Mary Margaret Williams Odom

Mary Margaret Williams Odom, affectionately known as M2 by her friends and co-workers, passed away peacefully August 30, 2014 at Flower Mound, Texas from complications of Alzheimer's. A native of Bartow, Florida she graduated in 1953 from Summerlin Institute’s largest class in history with 123 graduates and 18 honor students, all but three of them girls. Mary Margaret was awarded the International Minerals and Chemical Corporation scholarship. She studied math and Science at FSU where she was known for her brains and beauty. She was a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority. While at FSU she was nominated Homecoming Queen and crowned Military Ball Queen. M2 was an accomplished swimmer and Tarpon performer. Upon graduation, she completed a teaching internship at Lakeland, Fl and then moved to Dade County paving the way for women in the math and science fields. Mary Margaret was married to Aubrey L Odom of Tomsaton, Ga. and had one child, Alan L Odom. Mary Margaret was a huge proponent for equality. She first joined the DCPS as an instructional television teacher in 1959. She not only appeared on camera but wrote scripts and developed scripts for “It Figures”, was on the Learning Connection (TLC) and PBS’s "Math Line”. M2 spent the next 18 years in secondary schools (mostly at South Miami Sr. High) both as a teacher and department chair. In 1982-83 she served as an educational specialist in the testing department directing the Florida standards of excellence project awarded to Dade County. Mary Margaret later worked in DCPS as a math coordinator and a District Supervisor for instructional support. While working for the DCPS system she found time to be an adjunct professor, serve as curriculum consultant and developer, workshop leader, convention presenter, speaker, presider and served as chair for state and local textbook committees. Her memberships include NCTM, FCTM, DCCTM, NCSM, FAMS, DCSAA, PDK, Delta Kappa Gamma. Mary Margaret lived a life of service, love and passion. She made one feel that they were extraordinary and special in every way and had a gift of gab. She traveled extensively and she never met a stranger. She was a member of Beta Sigma Phi service organization. Visiting the sick, writing letters to service men, feeding the poor and demonstrating what it means to be a good and faithful servant was what she loved to do. She loved her family and never missed cards to commemorate birthdays and anniversaries. Mary Margaret lit up a room with her charm, beauty and wit. Her presence was always known and her laughter was contagious. Mary Margaret loved animals, children and all things beautiful. She was a seeker of knowledge with an incredible gift for teaching. Even During her illness, she created moments of joy and love to all those around her. Her smile and love of life gave inspiration to all those lucky enough to cross paths. M2 is survived by her son Alan Odom, daughter-in-law Stacey Odom, grandchildren Jennifer Odom, Christina Odom, Elizabeth Levine, Jonathan Odom, Brother Dr. Frank Williams and sister in law Jacqueline Williams of Largo, FL, nephews Christopher Williams of Winter Park, Andrew Williams of Largo, FL, Sister-in-law Muriel Theodorsen Williams of Naples,FL ,cousins Martha Middleton of Apopka, Fl, Alvena Newport, Ruby Jean Adkins, Shirley Hickman all of Bartow,Fl and Jean Lyons of Fl. Mary Margaret was preceded in death by her father Ernest Roscoe Williams 1900-1968, mother Ruby B. Mathews 1903-1965, brother George E. Williams 1923-2007, brother Laurence E. Williams 1926-1976. Viewing Friday 6:00- 8:00 PM Sept. 5th at Whidden McLean Funeral Home, 650 E. Main St., Bartow FL (863)533-8123. Funeral Services will be held Saturday, Sept. 6th 11:00 am First United Methodist Church, Bartow 310 S. Broadway Ave, Bartow,FL (863)533-9023. Luncheon to follow at Fellowship Hall. Condolences may be made to the family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com and Donations may be made in memory of Mary Margaret at http://act.alz.org/site/TR/Events/Tributes-AlzheimersChampions?pxfid=234854&fr_id=1060&pg=fund