Odessa Newman-Staples

Odessa Newman-Staples: A Life of Service and Love

Odessa Newman-Staples, a fierce champion for her community and a matriarch who led with love, passed away on May 25, 2025, at the age of 84. Born Odessa Romell Williams on July 8, 1940, in Chester, Pennsylvania, her indomitable spirit shaped a life dedicated to others.

Raised in Southwest Philadelphia, Odessa was known for her quick wit and bold nature. This spirit of advocacy emerged early; at 16, she addressed City Council to promote unity between Black and Puerto Rican families.

After moving to California as an Air Force wife, Odessa found her calling in caring for individuals with special needs. Over decades, she fostered dozens of children across Ventura and Kern Counties, creating a home where disability was never a limitation. Her commitment extended to public service; she joined the Oxnard School District Board, helped launch California's first year-round education program, and championed a special education campus. In 1978, she was named Oxnard Woman of the Year and later made history as the first African American woman to run for Mayor of Oxnard.

Relocating to Ridgecrest, Odessa worked at the China Lake Naval Weapons Center, earning a Department of Defense award. She continued her educational advocacy on the Sierra Sands Unified School District Board and later served as Interim Program Director for High Desert Pathways. A lifelong learner, she earned a Paralegal Studies degree at 81 and participated in the George Floyd demonstrations.

Known for her joy, Odessa loved line dancing and her community at the Ridgecrest Elks Lodge. Her kitchen was a place of comfort and abundance.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Artis and Sanches D. Williams; her brother, Otto "Cookie" Williams; her grandson, Anthony Williams; her adopted son, Richard "LR" Staples; and her husbands, Edward I. Fogel, Jr., Willie Lee Newman, and Richard M. Staples.

She is survived by her brothers, Rudy Williams and Jerome Williams; her beloved children, Artis "Skeeter" Williams (Juanita), Letia "Tia" Courtney (Eddie), and Kelcey Newman (Tiwana); her adopted sons, Brian, Curtis, and Kenny Staples; her adopted daughter, MsKizzi Staples; and her cherished foster sons, Leon and Andre Deloney. She also leaves behind a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family, each carrying forward a piece of her love and legacy.

Odessa's motto, "Too blessed to be stressed," and her advice to "love a little harder" will endure.

Celebrations of life will be held June 6, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Elks Lodge, Ridgecrest, and June 20, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Oxnard Performing Arts Center, in Oxnard CA.

If you'd like to honor Odessa's memory, the family welcomes donations in her name. Floral arrangements can be sent to the family home, and monetary gifts may be sent via Cash App to:  $OdessaNewmanStaples