Odetta Lee Wilcox

Odetta Lee Jones Wilcox, 79, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, July 25, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Odetta was born August 26, 1946, in Montpelier, Idaho, to Delbert Arthur Jones and Vola Theresa Miner. She was the youngest of six children and came as a treasured little sister to Arthur, Lynn, Gene, Cont, and best friend to her only sister, Gayle.

Odetta graduated from Montpelier High School in 1964. She was active in high school as a member of the drill team, in the school band (where she played the clarinet), and as a member of the choir. She was also nominated as the first attendant in the homecoming royalty. She was and always has been a great friend to many. After high school, she attended Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah.

While at BYU, she began dating Layne Eugene Wilcox and they were married on June 2, 1967, in the Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They enjoyed 59 beautiful years together, traveling to many different places in the world (Hawaii was a favorite), river rafting, camping, boating and spending time with their family at a cherished family cabin. Layne and Odetta raised their five children in Cottonwood Heights and have many precious memories there together.

Odetta was a homemaker extraordinaire. She was an accomplished seamstress, quilter, and cook. Family favorites included her canned pears, peaches, cherries, jams, and syrups (huckleberry and chokecherry). She played the piano and sang in her ward choir. She served faithfully in numerous church callings, including Relief Society president, Young Women leader (she was a favorite at girls’ camp), Primary leader, and had a great impact on many people’s lives. She was never one to seek the spotlight, and her unknown, quiet acts of service surely provided comfort to many. She and Layne served a mission together at the Heber Valley Girls’ Camp and were instrumental in developing it in its founding years. Odetta was a compassionate daughter and daughter-in-law, spending much time taking care of her parents and Layne’s parents in their old age.

Odetta fought a battle with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 30 years; she did so with courage and grace, with never a word of complaint or self-pity. She was saddened that MS took away time she could have spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren—she loved them all dearly. Despite her disability, Odetta was always a great example of following Jesus Christ. Although dressing herself and even moving was difficult, she happily did a “temple quest” with Layne, going to the temple every day for 30 days in her later years.

Odetta always felt her greatest accomplishment and joy in life were her five children: Marci Katzenbach (Sam), Travis (Brenda), Tyler (Holly), Torry (Kelly), and Misti Sudweeks (Matt). She was the proud grandmother of 20 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, with two more on the way that she will lovingly send down to earth.

Odetta is preceded in death by her parents, Delbert and Vola Jones; brothers, Arthur (Darlene), Lynn, Gene, Cont; parents-in-law, Eugene and Ione Wilcox; and brother-in-law, Boyd Murdock.

A viewing will be held on Wednesday, July 29, 2026 from 6:00 - 8:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S. Sandy, UT, and on Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 9:30 am - 10:45 am at the Northridge Ward, 11196 S. Wasatch Blvd, Sandy, UT with the funeral service to follow at 11:00 am. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens. You may watch the service online using the "Watch Service" button above.

We love you, Dets. Until we meet again.