Odell Alexander

Odell Alexander affectionately known as “SONNY” was born on May 2, 1938, to the late Charlie and Inez Alexander of Desoto County in LOVE, Mississippi. He was the third child born to this union. Both parents preceded him in death, along with his siblings, Jeanette Lewis, Elease Cobb, and Roy Lee Alexander.

He confessed his life to Jesus Christ at an early age. Through his good friend, Rev. DeLloyd Miller, he met the love of his life, Eunice.

On September 16, 1956, they were married in Hernando, Mississippi. With only $2.62 in his pocket, he boarded the Greyhound bus and moved to Chicago to provide a better life for his family. To this union six children were born; two sons, Glenn D. and Tyrone, Sr. who preceded him in death.

He worked various jobs until he found his passion in Masonry.  After 40 years of working in the Bricklayer & Allied Craftworkers (BAC) Local Union#74, he retired in May 2000. Odell was recognized and honored by Local Union#74 as being a faithful member for over 50 years of dedicated service.

He started his own business – Alexander & Sons to continue in home remodeling, serving his community in Golden Gate, and all the needs of repairing to New Faith M.B. Church.

Because of his selflessness and love for his craft, oftentimes led him to help others and refuse payment. His motto was “I Am Blessed and The Lord Will Provide.”

He loved all sports and supported every team in Chicago. Win or lose he cheered them on. He especially enjoyed himself when he got the opportunity to join his daughter in the skybox at Wrigley Field and Guaranteed Rate Field.

One of his greatest loves was Fishing!!! He would drive many miles to find a lake to cast his reel. He taught his granddaughter, grandson, and great-grandsons how to fish.

Deacon Alexander was a member of New Faith M.B. Church for 61 years, where he served as a faithful member of the Deacon Board, Voices of New Faith Choir, Sunday School Dept., and Feed the Hungry Program until his health failed him.

He departed this life from Labor to Reward on Monday, April 1, 2024.

He leaves the cherished memories of his legacy to his loving wife of 68 years, Eunice; four children; one son, Clinton L. Alexander (Michelle), three daughters, Denise Alexander, Cynthia M. Barnes (Bruce Sr.) Katrina Alexander all of Chicago, IL; one daughter-in-law, Laura Alexander, and grandchildren; Tashe’ Jackson, Alyssa DeJohnson (Tremaine), Tyrone Alexander, Jr. (Joi), Bruce L. Barnes Jr., Brandon A. Barnes, Cameron M. Barnes, Michael Coates, Joshua Coates, Taliyah, Tanaya and five great-grandchildren; one brother- in-law; Marl E. Miller (Elsie), two sisters-in-law, Earnestine Meriweather of Chicago, IL, Ruby D. Burkeley of Hernando, MS.; godchildren, Lorell Freemon, Stacey Smith, Kenneth Horton, Kashundra Jones, Brandon Miller and Jamal Cheatham. Special daughters: Nettie Myers, Charlotte Turner, Nicole Irby, and all others who affectionally call him Dad, Papa, Deac. and Mr. Sonny. “My Buddy” Ann Poole. My oldest childhood friend; Joshua Pickens. Best Friend; Deacon Blondell Freemon. Brother; E.W. Simpson, Jr. and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and dear friends.

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