Odessa Burch

Odessa Cleopa Burch was born September 5, 1924 in Okmulgee, Oklahoma to her parents Edward Dixon and Naomi Borders Dixon. She was the third of nine children born to this union. She received her formal education in Okmulgee, Oklahoma and furthered her education by attending Emily Griffith Opportunity School to study nursing. When Odessa moved to Denver, Colorado, she met and married R. T. Calhoun who preceded her in death. Later Odessa met and married Elliott Henry Burch who also preceded her in death. Odessa was the proud mother of four beautiful children, Darlene, Gilbert, Ronald and Jeanette. She also carried a special bond with her foster child, Terri Mouhieddine. To her, nothing was more important than there care and nurturing of her children. They all spent many happy and precious moments together. Odessa, by profession, was an Administrative Secretary, employed by the Colorado University Health Science Center for twenty-three years. She was also a brilliant entrepreneur. She owned and operated her own business, Odessa's Employment Services for several years assisting those needing work to obtain gainful employment. She was well connected to the community. Her numerous list of community and leadership accomplishments include Okmulgee Soloist winner for Oklahoma State competition, establishing the first Parent Teacher Association at Columbine Elementary School, establishing the Simply Abundance Book Club, Disabled American Veterans S. L. Brown Unit Chaplain, founder of Welcome New Neighbors for North City Park Civic Association, and Mile High Soul Travelers Secretary. Odessa also excelled in her leadership abilities through employment, as she was a Unit Representative of the University Health Science Center Employee Association, Matol KM Health Products International Top Level Sales Persons for several years, and more. The one common thread throughout Odessa Burch's life was the selfless desire to help others. She gave her time and heart to all that crossed her path. Her favorite quote was "If I can help somebody then my life would not have been in vain." Odessa was a member of Zion Baptist Church in Denver, Colorado where she served the Lord with the spirit of excellence. Odessa Cleopa Burch passed from this life on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2013 at 8:48 PM in Denver, Colorado. She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Gilbert B. Calhoun, Ronald C. Calhoun; two daughters Darlene O. Calhoun, Jeanette N.R. Burch; one foster daughter, Terri Mouhieddine; one brother, Archester Borders; a host of other relatives, Nieces, Nephews and many friends.

Funeral Home: Pipkin Braswell Funerals and Cremations - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Visitation: 12/31/2013 at 4:00 PM - Pipkin Braswell Chapel of Peace - 6601 East Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Service: 1/2/2014 at 11:00 AM - Zion Baptist Church - Denver, CO
Cemetery: 1/2/2014 at 1:30 PM - Fort Logan National Cemetery - Denver, CO
Family Gathering: 1/2/2014 - Following Interment Zion Baptist Church - 933 East 24th Avenue, Denver, CO