Betty Joyce Johnson Odell, a native and lifelong resident of Newport News, VA, passed away at the age of 87 on Friday, November 17, 2023, after a valiant struggle with dementia.

She graduated from Warwick High School in 1954 and was a long-time member of Noland Memorial United Methodist Church. She was also a member of the Women’s Club of Newport News. She worked for the Daily Press, Newport News Shipbuilding, Nationwide Insurance, and her beloved Christopher Newport University during her long career. She retired from CNU after 20 years of service in 1996.

Betty was preceded in death by her husband, James Odell, parents, Vance and Betty Johnson, son, Tim Odell, and three dear brothers-in-law – Marvin Parker, James Casto, and Johnny Odell. She is survived by her daughters, Vicky Holder and Valerie Wilkinson; daughter-in-law, Sharon Odell;  sisters, Patricia Parker and Alice Casto; sisters-in-law, Fay Gray and Brenda Odell;  grandchildren, Angela, Christopher, Alex, Sara, Drew, Jane, and Sabrina; great-grandchildren – Natalea, Avah, Abram, Nadia, Alexis, and Jacob; and her niece and nephews.

The family especially thanks the staff of the Inspiritas Wing of the Hidenwood for their loving and attentive care that comforted Betty throughout her illness. The family also thanks Riverside Hospice for their dedicated care during the later stages of her struggle.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 29, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., with a visitation following until 3:00 p.m. at Peninsula Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.  
Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, VA 23601.