Loved ones to celebrate life of former Charlotte mayoral candidate Joel Odom

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Loved ones will come together Saturday for a celebration of life for the youngest man to ever run for Charlotte mayor.

Joel Odom, a former Charlotte mayoral candidate and well-loved member of the community, died at age 22 last Wednesday.

Odom was 20 years old when he launched his bid for mayor 2 years ago. His great-grandmother, Vera Williams, was by his side.

“He wasn’t going to quit this at all,” Williams said. “He was going to try until he got it.”

Though he lost the election, Odom was the youngest candidate for Charlotte mayor ever and an inspiration to so many young people.

“He wanted to do whatever he could do for everybody,” Williams said.

She was sure that the child she took in when his mother died would eventually get the job he wanted.

Until his shocking death last Wednesday.

“I thought he was going to make it,” Williams said.

The cause of his death is yet unknown, but the hurt is evident not just for Odom’s family. City Councilwoman Dimple Ajmera followed him on the campaign two years ago and he befriended her.

“It’s a devastating loss for our city,” Ajmera said.

He sent a message of love to her and her family a couple of days before he died. The message said, “I love you. I love B and the baby.”

“He really spoke from his heart,” Ajmera said.

Odom and former mayoral candidate Lucille Puckett should have been political enemies. They ran against each other for mayor in a crowded field. Both lost. But when the race was over, Odom sent Puckett a text saying, “Great race.” They have been texting and talking ever since, Puckett said.

Odom talked about politics like a man twice his age.

“He was an old soul,” Puckett said.

She was rocked when she learned he was gone.

“My heart stopped beating for a moment,” Puckett said.

For so many he was a rising star that burned out much too fast. But the impact he had and his love for everyone still shines.

“His legacy will continue to live,” Ajmera said. “Thank you and God bless you.”

Dozens of people paid tribute to Odom Friday at a vigil at his alma mater, Northwest School of the Arts.

There will be a celebration of life for Odom on Saturday at St. Paul Baptist Church in the Belmont neighborhood. The viewing will start at 11 a.m. and the celebration of life will start at noon.

Local Pastor known as mentor and leader passes away

Cox Media Group