Gena Odell Still

Gena Odell Still died peacefully and surrounded by her family on April 24, 2016 in Houston, Texas. Gena was born on December 14, 1943 at Fort Benning, Georgia, to Camillus Lee Odell and Frances Sellers Odell. She is survived by her son, Charles Henry Still, Jr. and wife, Michele Barth Still; daughter, Kathryn Still Wilson and husband, Stephen Glenn Wilson; grandchildren Anna Kathryn Still, Henry Grant Still and George Odell Still, all of Houston; and her brother, Lee Odell of Troy, New York. Following the untimely death of her father at age 42 in 1948, Gena spent most of her childhood years in Garland, Texas, where she graduated from Garland High School in 1962. She attended Texas Tech University and graduated in 1966 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in English and minoring in French. A brilliant woman and outstanding student, Gena graduated summa cum laude and was selected as a member of the Mortar Board honor society, among other academic honors. She also was a leader and great friend, serving as President of the Texas Gamma chapter of Pi Beta Phi and forging lifelong friendships with her Pi Phi sisters. After college, Gena lived and worked in Austin, Texas, where she met and married her former husband and gave birth to her son, Charles. The family moved in 1968 to Houston, which became Gena's permanent home. She attended law school at the University of Houston but discontinued her studies to focus on raising her children after the birth of her daughter, Kathryn. Gena was an exceptional cook and gracious entertainer. Hosting fabulous meals and parties for family and friends gave her great joy, and she put her cooking skills to work, forming and running a catering business with her good friend, Judy Amonett. She also served as President of the Board of Directors of Holly Hall Retirement Community and was an active member of Christ Church Cathedral. Her faith was very important to her and gave her strength. Gena was an esteemed and deeply cherished member of her book club, sharing her love of reading and intellectual curiosity with a group of dear friends. In recent years, she also was active in her investment club, her Mahjong group and regular pilates classes, among other things, while continuing to be actively and lovingly involved in the lives of her children, grandchildren, brother, extended family and countless friends. Among Gena's many talents and gifts, her incredible warmth and grace stand out. She treated everyone with great kindness and respect. Her friends were numerous and diverse and from all periods and facets of her life. She cared deeply about all of them and was invested in their lives and well-being. Gena loved her family unwaveringly and unconditionally. She truly was the best person we have known and will be missed accordingly, but she leaves us with so many wonderful memories and the example she gave us of how to do it right. A funeral service for Gena will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 30, 2016, at Christ Church Cathedral, 1117 Texas Avenue, Houston, Texas, followed by a private burial. The family thanks the doctors, nurses and staff of M.D. Anderson Cancer Center who cared for Gena with immense kindness and compassion. The family also thanks the staff of Houston Hospice who gave Gena peace and comfort in her final days and hours, as well as the many friends who offered their support, thoughts and prayers over the last few weeks. Donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (www.pancan.org) in memory of Gena Odell Still.