The Arlington community is invited to pay their respects to former Arlington Mayor Elzie Odom at a public viewing set for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26.
Mr. Odom, who was elected as the city’s first Black mayor and who selflessly served as an elected official in Arlington for 14 years, will lie in state in the Council Chamber.
Today, the City of Arlington pauses to reflect on the life and contributions of Elzie Odom, who was Arlington’s first Black mayor and selflessly served his community in numerous volunteer and leadership roles.
Mr. Odom, who died on Nov. 17, championed for economic strength, opportunities for youth, improved transportation and mobility, inclusion in City boards and commissions and other important community issues during his 14 years as elected official in Arlington. He was 96.
With solemn respect of Mr. Odom’s life and legacy, the City of Arlington flag will remain at half-staff at city facilities and all of Arlington’s lighted gateway monuments, including the towers in front of City Hall, will be kept dark until Mr. Odom’s funeral service on Saturday, Nov. 29.
The Arlington community is invited to pay their respects to Mr. Odom at a public viewing set for 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 26. Mr. Odom will lie in state in the Council Chamber, located at 101 W. Abram St. between Arlington City Hall and the George W. Hawkes Downtown Library. Public parking is available on the west side of City Hall, in the 101 Center parking garage and along Front Street and Center and Mesquite streets.
“Today, as we lower our flags, we honor a life that was nothing short of monumental,” Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said. “Elzie Odom was more than a dedicated servant; he was the embodiment of the Arlington spirit. He was a trailblazer who fundamentally changed our city’s landscape, not just through transportation and infrastructure improvements and keeping vital employers like General Motors and the Rangers in town, but by championing the idea that every single person in Arlington deserved a seat at the table.”
