Odessa S. Choice

Choice ~ Odessa Storia Choice was born January 19, 1945, to the late Charles and Ruby Jefferson in Sunflower, Mississippi.  She attended Cleveland Public School System, graduating from Glenville High School.

The family relocated to Cleveland, Ohio in 1948, where she accepted Christ at an early age and was united with Gethsemane Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Benjamin Colvin. Odessa served with the Usher Board Ministry until she relocated to Jacksonville, Florida in 1978.

In 1965, she joined in holy matrimony to Rufus Choice, and this union was blessed with two sons, Kevin and Jefry.   Odessa was employed by the U S Government, Naval Air Station, until her retirement in 2005.  She also joined New Mount Calvary Baptist Church and served faithfully until her health failed.

Odessa lived life to the fullest, a season ticket holder with the Jacksonville Jaguars from 1995 until 2017; she enjoyed attending football games. Odessa was like an avid traveler, vacationing on many cruises.  She loved the Lord and her family, was kindhearted, never failed to help someone in need with her time and treasure.  Odessa was a consistent volunteer for Jacksonville Housing and Urban Development, helping to feed the homeless, and gave presentations for black history.

She was preceded in death by her son, Kevin; siblings, Dorothy, Jimmie, Albert, Joanne, Thomas and William.  She leaves to cherish her memory husband, Rufus Choice; a loving son, Jefry; brother, David; sister, Beverly; a host of relatives and many friends.

Celebration of Life service for Mrs. Odessa Storia Choice will be 10:30AM Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at Jacksonville National Cemetery.  Visitation Monday from 5 – 7:00 PM at The Soutel Chapel.  Because of the love of her family, arrangements entrusted to J. E. Fralin & Sons Funeral & Cremation Services, 5065 Soutel Drive, 904-924-9400

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