Eloise Odam Ferguson of Whiteville, TN passed away June 23, 2017 at NHC Health Care in Somerville.
Born December 7, 1924 in Denton, Texas, Eloise was a daughter of the late George A. and Florence D. Odam. She grew up in Denton and graduated from North Texas State Teachers College (now the University of North Texas), where her father was a professor of education. She taught home economics in schools in Texas and Arkansas until her marriage in 1948 to Joel Harry Ferguson of Whiteville. She continued her teaching career in Whiteville with breaks in between to raise her family. Eloise retired in 1980 from teaching home economics at Fayette County High School in Somerville. In retirement, she participated in clubs and charity work on behalf of her church and community. She was a member of United Methodist Women, the Inter Se Club and Daughters of the American Revolution, Hatchie Chapter.
Eloise was a person with many interests and talents. She loved vegetable gardening and preserving the fruits of her labor. For many years, she made wine from her own grape and muscadine vines. She also loved adventure and traveled to many wonderful destinations in the US and abroad with her husband and later with organized groups. Genealogy was a favorite hobby, and she enjoyed documenting family history with members of her extended family. Many people in Whiteville were accustomed to greeting Eloise on her daily walk of several miles, which she continued well into her 80’s.
In addition to her parents and husband, who died in 1994, Eloise was preceded in death by her sister Mary Joy Cowper. She is survived by three children, Florence Ferguson of Bridgewater, Virginia; Allan Ferguson and wife Helen of Whiteville; and Janet Firth and husband Robert of Dallas, Texas. She is also survived by four grandchildren, Thompson Ferguson of Memphis, Joseph Firth of Chicago IL, Laura Kathryn (Kakie) Ferguson of Cleveland OH and John Ferguson of Whiteville. Three nieces, a nephew and several cousins live in various parts of Texas.
The family wishes to express a special thank you to the staff of NHC Health Care and Caris Hospice for the care they provided to Eloise in her final years.
Visitation will be 1:30 – 3:30 pm on Sunday, June 25 at the Shackelford Funeral Home, Bolivar, followed by a funeral service at 3:30pm. Burial will be in Melrose Cemetery, Whiteville. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Whiteville United Methodist Church, where Eloise was a member for more than 68 years.
