Odell Jim" Fortson

Funeral services for Odell "Jim" Fortson were held Monday, May 11, 2009 at the Walters Funeral Home Chapel in Centerville. Rev. Elmer Phillips, pastor of the Ebenezer Baptist Church, officiated and burial was in the Seale Cemetery.

Odell Fortson, know as Young'Un" by his immediate family and "Jim" by the community, was born to Iva Fortson and raised by his beloved grandparents, Ned and Margaret Fortson in Centerville, Texas. Jim was united in marriage to Miss Ollie Townsell. Jim and Ollie made their home in Centerville where they joined Hopewell United Methodist Church to fellowship with family and friends. Jim was a carpenter and enjoyed fishing and gardening. He and Ollie became a part of a Friday night domino circuit that was enjoyed by many of their friends and neighbors. Jim was also known to cook delicious pit bar-beque to celebrate his summer birthday. Jim loved to entertain and he was entertaining. He had a nick-name for just about everyone in his family.

When Ollie passed in 1986, Jim centered his life on their home and kept everything just the same as when she was alive. He began to suffer poor health in the last couple of years so he became a resident of Riverwood Nursing Home in Madisonville, Texas where he received excellent care during his last days. He passed quietly on Tuesday, May 5, 2009. Jim was a character and will be missed by many people.

Jim is survived by a daughter, Dorothy Nell Kel- ley of Bryan, Texas; and sister, Ella Mae Johnson of Dallas, Texas.

He was preceded in death by his Mother, Iva Fortson Boozer; his brothers, Jack and Connell Boozer; sisters, Pauline Boozer and Margaret Rhinehart.