Odell Johnson of West Bloomfield MI, made his transition peacefully on June 13, 2020  at the age of 81. Odell - a loving father and devoted husband - was born on March 30th 1939 to Jay Johnson and Ruth Odessa Hudson, both who preceded him in rest.  He was also preceded by brothers, Jay C Johnson and Rudolph Wade.

Odell was very proud of his accomplishments as an Engineer.He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Purdue University in 1962.At Purdue, he was a trailblazer, being the only African American graduate in Mechanical Engineering that year. The university now has a scholarship endowment named in his honor. Odell also briefly served in the military and was honorably discharged from the U.S Army as a FIRST LIEUTENANT Ordnance Corps in 1967.

Odell was passionate about his professional career, enjoying a 35 year career at General Motors where he was responsible for managing and planning new programs. During his tenure at GM, Odell also earned an Executive MBA degree from Michigan State University.When he retired in 2001, he was widely well-respected as an engineer and mentor for his contributions. After his retirement, Odell continued to be a problem-solver.He loved tinkering with new computer software and linking devices together. So much so, that at any one time there would be at least 5 different remote controls in the family room controlling all of his multimedia devices.

Odell was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend to many.He was affectionately known by many names, Odell, OJ, PAPA, Juice, Daddy and Babe. To know him was to love him. Odell loved his music and he loved to play it LOUD!He also loved the comradery of his buddies who enjoyed an annual golf trip to Hilton Head Island.Everyone knew that his true love was his wife Marvis. He consistently doted on her and was not afraid to show his affection. Odell truly loved his friends:Bill & Ann Newell, Al & Wendy Ware, and Charlie Beckham (just to name a few). They were all part of OJ’s extended family.Odell was also a member of Pine Hill Congregational church where Rev Dr Charles Packer is the Pastor. He leaves a host of members to cherish his memory.

Odell will be lovingly remembered by his devoted wife, Marvis Johnson (of 42 yrs); Daughters - Angela Johnson and Wendy Johnson; Sons - Odell Johnson Jr, Randall Johnson and Aidoo Osei, and 10 grandchildren, and 5 great grandchildren. He also leaves behind a brother Ricky Fred Jones, a sister - Thealynn (Keith) Cork, and a host of nieces and nephews, all of whom loved him very much.