Odell Wilson

Odell “Honey Bear” Wilson, 79, of Matteson, Illinois, was born on November 15, 1945, in Merigold, Mississippi, to the proud parents, Al Wilson and Martha Singleton. He was raised in Mount Bayou and Chicago, Illinois. He attended Zeno Coleman Elementary School and later earned his G.E.D. upon entering the military. Prior to entering the military, he worked at Dressel’s Bakery. Odell lived a life marked by dedication to his cra and service to his country. A proud Vietnam veteran, Odell served in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971. He held the rank of E-5 Sergeant and was deployed to Vietnam from July 1969 to July 1970. During his military service, he was awarded several honors including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze service stars—testaments to his bravery and commitment. A er returning home from military service, Odell channeled his talents into a successful career as a dental technician. A natural cra sman with an eye for precision and detail, he founded Bonds Dental Lab—a business he built with pride and skill. His work in making and repairing dental appliances earned him respect among peers and clients alike. Odell made himself available to senior citizens by providing home visits. For a time, he also explored jewelry making and stone polishing, further showcasing his artistic abilities and love for hands-on cra smanship. Odell made his transition on June 3, 2025. He was preceded in death by his father, Al Wilson; mother, Martha Steward; rst wife, Delores Wilson; siblings, Wilma Jean (Taylor) Perkins, Margaret Hill (husband, Gene Hill), Sentry Lucille Brown (husband, Lonzie Wilson), James Steward, Jr., Arlisha Steward and Ronald Steward. Odell leaves to mourn his beloved wife, Annie; children, Patricia Lee, Marquita Key (Robert), Odell “Dell” Wilson, Jr. (Sharon), Kevin Wilson Sr. (Ebony), Michael Korey Wilson, Nathaniel Davell Wilson (Brandy), and Charles S. Green Wilson; siblings, Al (Mary Claudia) Wilson, Jr., of Lampasas, Texas, Rose M. (Steward) Simpson of Austin, Texas, and Lavera (Larry) Weaver of Park Forest, Illinois. Odell was a grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, cousin, and uncle to many. He will missed by his friends and the clients he served. Odell’s legacy lives on through those who knew him—as a soldier who served with honor, a skilled artisan who took pride in his work, and a man whose nickname “Honey Bear” re ected the warmth he brought into the lives of others.

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