Obituary

Mother Odessia Ball Young

April 15, 1932 — October 22, 2026

Jesus said, “ I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be saved and will be made whole.” John 10:9

Mother Odessia a Ball Young was born April 15, 1932 in Tylertown, Mississippi to the late Lattiemore Ball and Ruby Dillon Ball. She was the seventh child of twelve children. She departed this life on Thursday, October 22, 2026.

She was united in holy matrimony to the late Ollie Young, Jr. to this union five children were born, Emelda, Rita Renee, Fredrick, Cansandra, and Aljenon Young.

Mother Young was a faithful and devoted member of St. John Elizabeth Temple C.O.G.I.C under the leadership of Bishop J.W. White and Bishop W.K. Gordon. After the passing of these two great leaders, she remained faithful to the leadership of Elder Bobby R. Brown, Superintendent Eric Clayton and presently Elder Arthur D. Mixon. Mother Young continued her faithfulness until her health began to fail her and then she still refused to stop giving service unto the Lord. She carried out many duties at her church. Mother Young was the president of the Deaconess Board. She was the Pulpit Stewardess and Communion Stewardess. Whatever her hands found to do at her church, she did it faithfully as unto the Lord.

Not only was she a faithful servant of God, she loved being outside enjoying His creation. Mother Young loved sewing, crocheting, planting, and working in her garden. She could do yard work better than some men could. Her favorite food was spicy chicken and everything on her pizza..

Mother Young was a wonderful and loving home maker. She was like the little old lady in a shoe, had so many children she didn’t know what to do.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ollie Young, Jr.; two daughters, Rita Renee, and Emelda Young Johnson; five brothers, Herman Ball, Sr., Linzy Ball, Wilmer Ball, Kermit Ball, and Dolve Ball; three sisters, Wilhemia Cotton, Genita Brumfield, and Lattiemae Ball.

Mother Young will be deeply missed and her memories cherished by her loving and devoted children, Fredrick Young, Cansandra (Caesar) Robinson, and Aljenon (Claudia) Young; three sisters, Ella Swails, Dessie Herring, and Bobbie (Gene) Smith; one brother-in-law, Robert E. (Lea Edna) Young, Sr.; 11 grandchildren, Brittany (Dwayne) Webster, Brandon (Chris) Robinson, Sr., Rashard Sellers, Christopher (Nichole) Young, Kena (Helanus) Mack, Ashley Young, Ivonne, Devin (Zulma), Luis, Abbie (Eduardo), Emerius (James) Parker; 24 great grandchildren, Brandon Jr., Nila, Dallas, Mila Sunshine, Ja’Mario Webster, Meilana, Jazzmin, Shakala, Maxium, Louie, Amir Sapp, Ayana Johnson, Hailey, Kaelyn Mack, Oliver, Eban, Pearl, Kayden, Destiny, Elijah, Dominic, Isaiah, Kayla and Maya; 3 great- great grandchildren, Timber, Titan, and Kycen.; she is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and a host of other relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 24, 2026 from 12:00PM - 2:00PM followed by the funeral service at 2:00PM at St. John Elizabeth Temple Church of God in Christ 1126 North Roosevelt Street Bogalusa, LA70427 with Elder Arthur D. Mixon - Pastor, Superintendent Eric Clayton - Officiating Pastor. Interment will be held at Dillion Church Cemetery in Tylertown, MS. 

Crain and Sons Funeral Home - Bogalusa are in charge of arrangements.