Odessa Smith

Odessa Smith, loving mother, grandmother, sister and aunt

Salamanca- Odessa Smith, formerly of Olean, passed away unexpectedly Friday (July 12, 2024) at the Salamanca Rehabilitation and Nursing Center.

Odessa was born in Lisman, AL., on June 5, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Hal and Fannie Roberts.

Odessa was a certified nursing assistant, for 30 plus years for numerous businesses in New York City, and also holding several other short-term jobs. Her family was important to her, she loved the family reunions where she got to see everyone. Odessa also loved to cook and clean for herself and others, going to casino’s, reading and writing poetry. When able, she would travel and take walks around her neighborhood.

Odessa is survived by four children, Patricia Butler, Hendrake Smith, Unetta Smith and Yvette Collins; six grandchildren, Angela Butler, Ebony Butler, Lashawn Butler, Karimah Israel, Champriest Collins and Yousefa Collins; and many nieces and nephews; three siblings, Paul Roberts, Samuel Roberts and Ozie Williams; and sister-in-law, Rae Greene.

She was predeceased by her parents, Hal and Fannie; siblings, James Roberts, Mary Roberts, Darnella Ellis and Anne Hilton.

Family will receive friends Thursday, July 18, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Guenther Funeral Home, Inc. 1303 East State Street, Olean. Funeral service will start at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Burial to follow in Mt. View Cemetery, Olean.

Memorials if desired may be made to charity of the donor’s choosing.

Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com