Odell Brackens, Sr.

Odell Brackens, Sr., 96, of New Albany, Indiana, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024. He retired from Schenley Distillery in Louisville and was the co-founder of Greater Mount Zion Apostolic Church in New Albany. Odell had a natural green thumb and was known for the produce that he would grow and sell annually, especially when it came to his blackberries and the cobblers that he would bake. Along with gardening, Odell also enjoyed fishing and caring for others in his community. In 2018, he was honored as "Man of the Year" by the City of New Albany.

He was born on February 1, 1928 in Morgantown, Kentucky to William and Maybelle (Bratton) Brackens. In addition to his parents, Odell was preceded in death by his wife, Anna Mae (Beard) Brackens; sons, Leon, Daniel, Donald Brackens; daughters, Pattie Brown, Dianna Simmons, Annette Brackens, Marilyn Brackens; and siblings, Naomi Lipscomb, Beulah Elizabeth Wathen, William Brackens and Essie Shacklett.

Odell was the proud patriarch of the family that he leaves behind to cherish his memory, sons, Odell, Jr. (Blanche), George, Kevin, Henry, Steven Brackens; daughters, Renita McCloud, DeVonne Whiting, Lisa Sheppard, Shawna Brackens, Trina Brackens; 60 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Greater Mount Zion Apostolic Church (3845 Wayne Street, New Albany) with his funeral service taking place at 12:00 p.m. Burial will follow at West Haven Cemetery in New Albany.

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