Odessa D. Rentie's Obituary
Odessa Dean Rentie
Born September 6, 1935, last smile December 5, 2021
Odessa was the youngest child of eight children born to Andrew and Millie Rutherford Jackson in Pledger, Texas.
O.D. as she was called then, was educated in the Pledger community, and completed her high school education at Boling Vocational High School. After high school graduation, she left Pledger and attended Texas Southern University in Houston, Texas.
Growing up in the Pledger community, the Jackson family was very active in their church. The family attended Grove Hill Missionary Baptist Church. church history includes founding members of the Jackson family as Pastor, Trustees, Deacon, and teachers.
Odessa accepted the Lord as her Savior at the Grove Hill Church at an early age. She was active in Sunday School and BTU. Every October, Odessa continued to participate in the Friends and Family Day at her home church in Pledger, Texas. Odessa developed her love of Sunday School from her father, who continued to. teach the young adult Sunday School class into his 90’s.
Odessa was excited to return this year to participate when her family cemetery was declared a Texas historical site.
Odessa’s mother passed away when she was 6 years old, because of this she developed a special relationship with her siblings, especially with her brothers, Lloyd and Floyd who often protected her from mealy worms during cotton picking time as well as other things that go bump in the night.
When it was time for Odessa to make a change in her life after the birth of daughter Andrea Yvette, her older brother Floyd suggested that she follow him to San Diego to start a new life adventure. Not so surprisingly she and Andi jumped into the car and traveled to San Diego on the first of their many great adventures!
Upon arriving in San Diego in 1958, she quickly united with the Mt. Erie Missionary Baptist Church, located at that time in the Frontier area of San Diego. Odessa continued to be an active member of the Mt Erie Baptist church under the leadership of Pastor Walter G. Wells until her passing on December 5th. On this day she not only listened to the Sunday School lesson before going to the hospital, she viewed the morning worship service and Lord's Supper with her daughter in love Charlene while in her hospital room.
Odessa was a Sunday School teacher that was dedicated to her study of God’s word and the lesson she was going to share with her beloved class #5! Odessa would prepare all week to make sure that she got it right. She also served as the corresponding secretary for the Sunday School for many years.
Odessa loved her Mission group, Senior Mission #2 (Matrons) she was one of the original ladies that began in this Mission. She served actively in the Mission in both the Local and State level for many years, she proudly wore the Yellow and Brown to many state conventions.
Odessa was active in the mission until her passing. In fact, just 5 days before her death she was on the phone line adding her voice to teaching the lesson and sharing God’s word. Sis Rentie was the secretary for the group and also the unofficial parliamentarian and was famous in the group for “pushing her chair back” from the table when it was the time to end the meeting or get back on track.
Odessa was also a member of the Company of Committed Christian Women, Mt Erie Women’s retreat. For many years she has assisted the finance committee with collecting enrollments and encouraging women to attend the retreat. She was often asked to speak at the retreat, as a moment in the word speaker, workshop facilitator or member of the famous Senior Band.
Sixty plus years ago she met the love of her life, John Walter Rentie Jr. They were introduced by a friend of a friend and the rest is history. They were married and John W. Rentie III was born.
The family settled in the Webster neighborhood of San Diego, setting their roots deep into the community, loved and respected by many.
They participated in the Westover Place neighborhood club, with activities for the children and efforts to improve the neighborhood. They were also involved with Cub Scouts and Little League games.
When her life mate John W. Rentie Jr. became ill in December 2020, Odessa dedicated all her efforts to oversee his care during hospital and rehabilitation center stays through this year. When John was able to return home, Odessa insisted that she would be his primary caregiver. Her favorite saying during this difficult time was “if it's to be, it's up to me!” When John was no longer able to remain in the home due to the progression of his illness, Odessa insisted on visiting as much and as long as was allowed Odessa remained John’s biggest and best advocate until his passing on September 18, 2021.
Odessa was employed by Pacific Bell from 1964 until her retirement in 1991. Odessa began her career as an information operator on the night shift and was promoted to a supervising equipment engineer at the time of her retirement.
Odessa enjoyed her retirement. She loved to travel and most especially her yearly trips to Texas. Odessa stressed the importance of family and keeping connected with her father, siblings and her large host of nieces and nephews who continue to love and spoil their Aunt Odessa.
So, no matter what, every summer the Rentie family’s car/station wagon/minivan/truck was headed on the two-day trip to Texas. Later trips included the entire family, grandchildren were not exempt.
Odessa also enjoyed traveling to other places she could reach by plane, train, cruise ship, bus and automobile. She traveled across the country on the train several times, exploring Seattle, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawai’i, and many other states. Many of these adventures were with her daughter Andi by her side.
Odessa loved her family, her home and caring for others. She showed her love by baking tea cakes for a multitude of family, church members and friends. Baking pound cakes was always a household treat. She especially enjoyed preparing her weekly Sunday dinners for the entire family. Odessa tried to make sure that everyone had a favorite dish on the menu, especially if it was rice and gravy, sweet potatoes and roast beef, her son John’s favorite meal!
Her heart belonged to her grandchildren who were a great source of pride and mutual love. Gran lived for their hugs, visits, and phone calls. Odessa also looked forward to her daily and weekly phone calls with her sisters. Odessa truly loved the Lord and her family.
Odessa is preceded in death by her husband John Walter Rentie, Jr., parents, siblings, Ruby, Smith Henry, Monett, Lloyd and Floyd.
Leaving to cherish her memory are her sisters, Essie Boyd, Houston Texas and Doris Floyd, San Diego, Calif.
Children, Andrea Yvette Jackson Rentie, Spring Valley, Ca., and John Walter Rentie III (Charlene) Murrieta, Ca.
Grandchildren, Steven Johnson, Briana Wilson (Scott) Jaelah and Cameron Rentie.
Her many nieces and nephews across the country will miss their Aunt OD, they need to know that all had a very special piece of her heart.
Her best friend Gloria Williams, who was a constant source of love and support for Odessa.
Most of all always in our hearts our mother, the best friend and encourager God could give to two children!
We love you,
Andi and John
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