Marla Anne Odom

"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want." ~ Psalm 23:1

Marla Anne Odom, age 58 of Mount Carmel, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, February 24, 2026.  Marla was born on August 3, 1967, in Kingsport to Brazilla and Betty Odom.  Marla worked as a dietician at Holston Valley Medical Center, and she taught Sunday School for over 30 years at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mount Carmel.  Marla graduated from ETSU and King College, where she received two master’s degrees: one master’s in nutrition and one in education.   

Marla enjoyed her family time.  She loved canning and studying martial arts, in which she obtained her black belt in Taekwondo and Kenpo Karate.  She found solace in studying God’s word every day of her life.  She had a servant’s heart, and she enjoyed blessing people with her canned goods and other baking goods. 

Marla is preceded in death by her mother; and her niece, Ashley Block.  Those left to cherish her memory are her father, Brazilla D. Odom; her sister, Teri Block and husband, Dr. Bill Block; nephew, Will Block and partner, Sara Roggenbuck; special lifelong friend, Mr. Chip Necessary; and many loving family and friends.   

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to Shades of Grace in Kingsport, and/or Hilda’s Box at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Mount Carmel.   

There will be a graveside service held at 9:00 am on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Church Hill Memory Gardens with Pastor Todd Haley officiating.   Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to meet at the cemetery at 8:50 am.    

Carter Trent Funeral Home Church Hill is serving the Odom family.