C.C. O'Deay

CC (Carol Cross) O’Deay of Grants Pass, Oregon passed peacefully in her sleep on August 17, 2022 as a result of heart failure. She was born and raised in Chattanooga, TN of parents, Dorothy Elgin and Stephen H. Cross. After graduating from Brainerd High School, she attended University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where she graduated Cum laude with degrees in both Psychology and Sociology. She relocated to West Palm Beach, FL to be close to her sister’s new family and began her career as a Juvenile Probation Counselor. Her wandering spirit brought her cross-country spending time in New Mexico, as well as Alaska. Internationally CC climbed Mt. Olympus and the Hanging Cliff Monasteries of Medora Greece. She enjoyed the historic Spice Market in Istanbul and the spectacular Whirling Dervish Monks performing in the lobby of the Orient Express train station. She settled in Grants Pass in 1980, where she was proudest and most thankful for her three sons, Drew, Matthew and Marcus.

CC’s career spanned interests in children, books, and music. She finished her career as the dearly loved Librarian at Lincoln Elementary School, Grants Pass School District 7. She briefly worked as a Board Member for Citizens Review Board, as an advocate that oversees children in foster care. She attended River Valley Church for a couple decades and was a Board Member for Josephine County Community Concerts Association with a special interest in promoting free concerts for students in District 7 and Three Rivers School Districts.

She will be greatly missed by family and a multitude of friends. She was truly a southern Belle whose fun-loving spirit will live on through us all.

A celebration of her life will be held soon, after the celebration of Drew’s wedding, as was her wish.

She is survived by her sister, Carla Cross (Ralph) Hill of Jacksonville FL, her niece Jenna (Randy) Hand of Atlanta GA, and her three sons, Drew (Sean), Matt (Ashlei), and Marc all of Southern OR.

Remembrances may be made in C.C.’s name to the Lincoln Elementary School Library, 1132 NE 10th Street, Grants Pass, Oregon 97526.