Odessa (Harris) Christal

On September 15, 1918, in Ledbetter, Texas John and Mattie Harris were blessed by the birth of their sixth child, a daughter, they named Odessa.  She professed Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and regularly attended Church.  Odessa attended, received, and completed her education from Post Oak High School in Ledbetter, Texas.  She then stayed in Ledbetter until 1948 when she relocated and settled in the Houston area.

            Mother Odessa Christal was employed as a housekeeper for well over 30 years to the Jack Terry and Robert Fergusons families.  She had several church affiliations; however, when she was brought to Greater Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church by the late Deacon Ira and late Sister Dorothy Christal, the Spirit led her to unite, where the right hand of fellowship was extended by the late Pastor Harold Moore. 

Mother Christal spent a lifetime caring for those who were in need—babysitting grandchildren and great grandchildren, caring for sick in the extended family members and neighbors; and calling and visiting Church members and friends in nursing homes.  At Greater Morning Star MBC, she dutifully served the LORD in the Senior Mission Society as a member and teacher; Senior Choir; and was always willing to serve her Master wherever needed.  Mother Christal remained connected and involved in her Church under Pastor Jerry Evans until she was unable to do so. 

            On Wednesday, February 15, 2023, GOD dispatched His angels from heaven and Sister Christal responded to the call of the Master.  She will be sorrowfully missed by her family, friends, Church family, and many others.  She fought a good fight; she kept her faith.  And now GOD will wipe all her tears away; there will be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain for Mother Christal. 

            Passing on before Mother Christal were her parents, five brothers, two sisters and their spouses; loves of her life; two sons (James Guyton and Hyam Guyton, Jr.); grandchildren (Beverly  Guyton and Jarrod Guyton); and extended son (Joe L. Jackson, Jr.).

            Her memories will be cherished by her four surviving children:  Dorothy Botley of Houston, Percy (Mary) Mayes, Jr. of Killeen, Leona (Curtis) Jeffery of Dickinson; and Minnie Christal of Pearland; 15 grandchildren; 30 great grandchildren; 6 great,  great grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Willie Ruth Fields; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, her Greater Morning Star MBC family; and many others whose hearts she touched.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Odessa (Harris) Christal, please visit our floral store.