Odessa Sandefer Lang

Odessa Sandefer Lang, a beloved member of the community, passed away on March 27, 2024, in Mesquite, Texas. She was born on February 26, 1934, in Teague, Texas to WWI veteran James Holland and Dymple Geneva (Richardson) Sandefer.

She was born into a sharecropper family, she possessed a great work ethic, known for her ability to pick many pounds of cotton faster than most. As a teenager, she embarked on a new chapter in Dallas, Texas, securing a job at Texas Instruments where she undoubtedly made her mark.

Odessa was married to Army veteran Horace Gene Lang for 63 years. They were blessed with two sons, U.S. Naval veteran Johnny Wesley Lang and Warren Scott Lang. In 1964 their family moved from Irving, Texas to West Mountain, Texas where their sons attended Union Grove school.

Odessa was a remarkable individual known for her incredible talent as a seamstress. Her skill with a needle and thread not only clothed many locals. Her dedication to her craft brought joy and beauty to those around her.

Beyond her creative talents, Odessa found solace and joy in the simplicity of country life. Her passion for cultivating vibrant flower gardens and tending to a bountiful vegetable garden each year illustrated her deep connection to nature. She found great companionship in the presence of her beloved German Shepherd dogs, relishing every moment spent outdoors with them.

Odessa was preceded in death by her parents; 4 brothers, Wallace Irving Sandefer, Gene B. Sandefer, J.C. Sandefer, and Aubrey Dean Sandefer; sister, Floy Lee Sipper.

She is survived by her husband, Gene; sons, John Lang, Scott Lang and wife Donna; brother Glenn Roy Sandefer and wife Linda; 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

Family and friends will gather to honor and remember Odessa at Croley Funeral Home in Gilmer for visitation on April 5, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Enon Baptist Church in Gilmer on April 6, 2024, starting at 11:00 AM with Reverend Angela Stone-Campbell officiating. Interment will be at Enon Cemetery.

Donations to the Alzheimer’s Association would be greatly appreciated.