Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

Rev. Odell Blanson was born November 13, 1937 to the union of Willie and Ida Lee Blanson in Wisner, Louisiana. He grew up and attended Wisner High School in Wisner, LA. On April 26, 1960 he married Jessie Mae Phenix. This union spanned for 45 years until her health failed her and God called her home to glory. He received his call to the ministry and was ordained by Dr. Charles L. McGhee, the late Pastor of New Saint James Baptist Church in Monroe, LA on November 26, 1989. He preached his first sermon at New St. James Baptist Church on November 26, 1990. Rev. Blanson served as Pastor of Garden Valley Baptist Church in Columbia, LA for 13 years. He was a member and Associate Minister of Piney Grove Baptist Church in Monroe under the leadership of Pastor Donald Woods whom he loved dearly.

He leaves to cherish his memories nine children, fifteen grandchildren, fifteen great grandchildren, one sister, one brother a host of nieces, nephews, very special sister-in-laws, brother-in laws and cousins.