Odessa Ann (Smith) Weaver, 84, of Garrison, Texas, passed away in a tragic car accident on August 29, 2023, in Shelby County, Texas.

Per her wishes she was cremated. A memorial service will be held at 2PM on Saturday, September 9, 2023, at Mangum Funeral Home with Bro. Justin Harkness officiating.

“Dessa” was born in Shelby County March 19, 1941, to Pery Smith and Grace Whitton Smith. She was one of seven children. Dessa attended Sardis School and was raised in the Sardis Community. Dessa believed in working hard from day break until a job was complete or until dark and start again in the morning. She also believed in playing hard and enjoying life. In the mid 70’s she owned and operated Weaver’s Grocery Store across the street from Dairy Queen in Center, where she met so many high school kids that she “adopted”. The store was often filled with kids she fondly referred to as her “Weaver Store Kids”. She kept many of those friendships alive through the years. She was an outdoors person, hobbies included gardening, especially “her” flowers; loved all animals of any shape or size; enjoyed cooking; avid reader; spending time with family and friends. One of her greatest joys in most recent years was being sure the great grandkids had balloons for special occasions and loved to learn Soccer while watching them play.

Survived by: Daughter, Deborah “Deb” Peterson and husband Tom of Milam, Texas Mangum Funeral Home Laird Funeral Home, Inc. Grandchildren: Parick Sample and Alex of Center, Texas Stephanie Harkness and Justin of Center, Texas Ashley Hays and Grant of The Woodlands, Texas Justin Peterson of Texas City, Texas Allyssa Ray and Nathan of Houston, Texas Great Grandchildren: Bronson and Elias Sample of Center Cyper and Cecil Harkness of Center Stevie Ray of Houston Daughter-in-law: Patricia Jacques of Nacogdoches Sister: Virginia Lemoine of Center Brother: Ray Smith of Center Beloved Babies: Charley and Moppy (dogs) Many nieces, nephews, and friends. Odessa was preceded in death by her parents, Perry and Grace Smith; Son, Dale Weaver of Nacogdoches; two brothers, and two sisters. To send condolences or to sign an online register, please visit www.mangumfh.net . Mangum Funeral Home, Center, is in charge of arrangements.