Odessa Thomas "Dee" Vessels

Mrs. Odessa "Dee" (Thomas) Vessels, U.S. Navy Retired, Lt. Commander Navy Nurse passed away peacefully in Tallahassee with her four nieces at her side. Odessa was born on September 7, 1930 in Starke the daughter of Mallory and Hester (Johns) Thomas.Odessa served our nation as a Navy Nurse for 20 years and following retirement served veterans and their families as a VA nurse for an additional 20 years. She was a member of the VFW, American Legion, MOAA, NNA, Woodmen of the World and the Church of Christ.Our beloved Aunt was pre-deceased by her parents, her husband of 17 years James (Jimmy) Vessels of Lake City, FL, seven siblings: Cecil C. Thomas of Auburndale, FL, R.L. Thomas of Starke, FL, Ressie R. Thomas of Starke, FL, M.C. Thomas of Michigan, Oveida Horne of Kingsland, GA, Mallory Thomas, Jr. of Lakeland, FL, Oletha Manning of Starke, FL and several of her nieces and nephews. She is survived by nine beloved nieces and nephews. Jeanette Voss (the late Glen), Barbara McLendon (Bill), Theresa Hollingsworth (Jim), Debra Harris (Dean), Brady Manning (Brenda), Leon Manning (Marisa), Mallory Horne (the late Mary Ann), Richard Horne (Linda) and Leonard Manning (Loraine). She is also survived by numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends at the JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME, THURSDAY, December 10, 2015 from 5-7 pm. There will be an additional viewing in the DEWITT C. JONES CHAPEL of Jones-Gallagher Funeral Home on Friday, December 11, 2015 from 12:30 pm to 1:30 pm with a funeral service beginning at 1:30. Interment will follow in Crosby Lake Cemetery with Minister Jim Hollingsworth officiating all services. Arrangements are by JONES-GALLAGHER FUNERAL HOME OF STARKE 904-964-6200. On-line condolences may be left at www.jonesgallagherfh.com. hide