Odessa's Story

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Odessa's Story
By Elizabeth Han

All her life, Mrs. Odessa Shavers was amongst a collective of heroes who shared the dream of helping others in need, especially those in her community. From the influence of her parents and community, Odessa dedicated her life to helping others, simply because she had a pure, willing desire to do so. She says, “What makes others happy makes me happy.” This was the life Odessa Shavers lived, a selfless life. Odessa truly believes in togetherness, where everyone works together, not as individuals, but as a group to build a strong community and a better world.

Odessa was born on April 24th, 1933 in Imperial, California. As one of thirteen children, she lived in Perris of Southern California until she was six years old. Despite the fact that Odessa’s family was the only African American family in Perris, she recalls that justice thrived in her town and school. Her parents were strongly supportive and involved in the community. Odessa believes that her parents’ active involvement influenced the children to become hard-working and ambitious people to strive to meet their goals. Ever since her youth, Odessa loved to be active. Young Odessa found pleasure and happiness when she was actively involved in sports. She was a star athlete in Perris, and was chosen as captain of nearly every sport she played. Odessa’s young, energetic voice is expressed as she admits that the “rougher the sport, better I [she] liked [it].”

Odessa had the lucky opportunity to grow up in a just town, but also had an even greater opportunity to grow up in a just home. Odessa remembers her parents’ emphasis on the importance of togetherness, being considerate of others, and being honest. Throughout her life, Odessa took advice from her mother’s teaching and lived her life honestly. Odessa’s mother taught her that “when you tell one lie, you have to tell more lies.” Odessa possesses precious qualities that give her the strong sense of identity she has today.

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