Rebbie Lucille Oden, born on December 3, 1952, peacefully entered eternal rest on April 2, 2026, at 11:45 a.m., at her home in Holiday Lone Oak Apartments, at the age of 73 years, 3 months, and 23 days. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and unwavering devotion to family and friends.
Rebbie was born in Paducah, Kentucky, to Charlie Palmer Oden and Lillian Olive McEwen Atkins Oden. She spent her formative years in Paducah and graduated from Paducah Tilghman High School in 1970. She grew up in the Lincoln Heights community, she was baptized at the age of 12 at Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Robert Anderson. She served faithfully as an usher, reflecting her lifelong devotion to service and her strong spiritual foundation. After graduating from high school, she moved to Chicago, Illinois, where she lived with her sister Amanda. Her job transferred her to Lexington, Kentucky, and then to Raleigh, North Carolina, before she eventually returned to Paducah.
Rebbie was known for her warm spirit, infectious laughter, and thoughtful nature. She found joy in giving and expressed her love through meaningful, personal gestures like sending birthday and Christmas gifts to family and friends. She also enjoyed hosting crystal parties, bringing people together and forming lasting connections wherever she lived. Her enduring friendships stand as a testament to the genuine care and loyalty she extended to others.
Her greatest joy was her family. She cherished holidays, especially Christmas and family reunions, where her presence filled the air with laughter, warmth, and togetherness. Rebbie had a remarkable gift for making others feel truly seen, valued, and deeply loved. A proud and determined woman, she achieved a significant milestone by earning her Bachelor of Arts in Public Administration from North Carolina Central University at the age of 40. She worked at GTE in North Carolina, later known as Verizon.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Palmer and Lillian Oden; her brothers, Larry Oden, Billy Atkins, and Charlie Oden; and her sisters, Janie Atkins Grier, Bobbie Atkins Swanson, Armanda Atkins Griffin, and Elizabeth "Liz" Atkins.
She is lovingly survived by her children, Dr. Jerome Drain of Richmond, Texas, and Shannon Drain of Tampa, Florida; her sisters, Martha Lucinda Grubbs and Juette Oden Bell of Paducah, Kentucky; her brother, Jesse Oden of Paducah, Kentucky; her special niece, Vernesie King of Paducah; her special nephew, Jesse Oden Jr.; and her beloved grandchildren, Jerome Jr., Jaxton, and Rohnan Drain. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who cherished her deeply and will forever remember her as “Aunt Rebbie.”
Rebbie’s life was a powerful testament to love in action expressed through kindness, generosity, and the meaningful relationships she nurtured throughout her life. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who were blessed to know her.
Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, April 25, 2026, 12 noon at Greater Lincoln Heights Missionary Baptist Church with Reverend Alfred Anderson officiating.
Family will receive friends at the church on Saturday from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral hour.
Though Rebbie Lucille Oden is no longer with us, her spirit and cherished memories will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The Service will be live-streamed on the Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home, LLC Facebook Page on Saturday beginning at 11:50 a.m. (Central Standard Time).
You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com.
