Odessa Dangler was born on February 24, 1937, in Vidalia, Georgia, to the late Odell and Tiny Hargrove. After graduating from high school, Odessa relocated to Long Branch, New Jersey, in 1954, where she then met and married Lorenzo J. Dangler, Jr. They were married for 54 years before his passing in 2009. To that union, four children were born: Billy, Todd, Derrick, and Marcus.
Odessa was one of the first Black, female entrepreneurs in Long Branch. She and her husband owned and operated “Dangler’s Friendly Grocery Store” for 10 years. Additionally, she worked for 30 years as a corridor aide for the Long Branch Board of Education.
Odessa was well known throughout the State of New Jersey for her outstanding catering services and her astonishing wedding cakes and pies.
She was a member of Second Baptist Church, Long Branch, NJ, for more than 60 years. At that branch of Zion, she served on the Pastor’s Aid Ministry and was also one of the founders of the infamous “Kitchen Circle,” now known as the Culinary Ministry. She also was a member of Order of Calanthe Harmony Court #14.
Odessa was preceded by her husband, Lorenzo; and two of sons, Todd Alan and Derrick Jon.
She leaves to cherish her memory two sons, Billy and Marcus; five daughters-in-law, Theresa, Karen, Monica, Bridgett and Olivia; seven grandchildren, Brandy, Jermaine, Todd, Morgan, Jason, Xavier and Mylan; two great grandchildren, Mayila and Myles and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.
Odessa’s greatest joy was serving the Lord and being surrounded by her grandchildren.
My deepest condolences to the family and love ones. Mrs. Odessa has always been a strong fixture and a role model in my life as long as I could remember. I enjoyed learning from her over many years from a kid in church, LBHS hallways and she catered my wedding and then I working for her as an adult. I was truly blessed to have the experience of the Odessa catering service team. She watched my kids come school as well and they respected her as a grandma. They also worked with the Catering service when they became of age.
Thanks family for sharing her with us, she was a strong shining light to a all that crossed her path. Thank you God for Blessing us with someone truly doing your work here on earth. I sending you your Roses Mrs. Odessa; Job Well Done.
Love Jeanette (Stephens ) Wilkerson
Your sister in Christ
My mother Katherine , sister Veleda and I met sister Odessa many years ago at the
Second Baptist Church. In addition to Sundays, we saw each other often since we both were employed by the Long Branch Public Schools , and “met frequently” at LBHS basketball and football games.
Sister Odessa could be defined as genuine, loving , kind, generous and compassionate.
SHE WILL BE MISSED.
Archie, Tourya, Veleda
GREENWOOD
Dearest Billy D and Family,
Heartfelt condolences to you and the Dangler family. I have sooo many fond memories of Ms Odessa as she was a staple in Long Branch and someone who I’ve known all my life. I’ll never forget when she bought Izzie”s and how we all would run there to get our subs. Then, all of us from. “The Block” welcomed her as a corridor aide in the 70’s at LBHS. Mostly, I’ll miss how she always made sure that that I got an extra piece of her delicious bread pudding to take home whenever she saw me at a program at Second. Lastly, Billy and Marcus, take care of Miss O.D’s Lladros, as she took great pride in them (lol)
May Ms Odessa rest in the rms of the Master and May God wrap his arms of comfort around you and the family.
Miss Odessa will be missed, I loved her energy and her food, cakes, etc. anytime there was an event if Miss Odessa made it, I had to have some because I knew it was gonna be GOOD! She made my first wedding cake. I will never forget her in the halls of Long Branch High, chasing us back to class, lol. All are great memories which I cherish. Prayers to the family, may you find comfort in the memories that you have.
Sending prayers and condolences to all the family and friends of Mrs Dangler
My condolences and prayers go out to Billy and the family and friends of Ms Odessa. She will be greatly missed. She was a big asset to the Board of Elections with her willingness to help others. May she Rest in Paradise. Gone but will never be forgotten
Once again the community suffers the loss of a giving unselfish leader. “Ms. Odessa” has transitioned to a better, however she’ll never be forgotten here on Earth. Thank God for the time he gave her to serve. She will be missed. 🙏
Heartfelt condolences to those who loved her. 💐
To the Dangler Family, so Sorry for Your Loss. Sending Hugs, Prayers and Love.
To Dangler the Family, So Sorry for Your Loss. Sending Prayers, Hugs and Love.
My deepest condolences to my cousins Billy & Marcus, as well as to the rest of the family and friends! Odessa was a favorite Aunt of mine! I loved her cakes too!
My deepest condolences to Billy and Marcus and other family. Although Odessa and I have not communicated over the years since I left NJ, i could never forget what she means to me. Oh the delicious meals we enjoyed on so many occasions. All the away games we traveled to in support of LBHS athleric teams and the victory celebrations after at my house. W hat great memories I will cherish for knowing and loving your mother. Again, my deepest sympathy to the family. 8
With love,
Sylvia Brown and family