Mashelle Royster Odom was a devoted mother and grandmother. Her family said that she had an outgoing personality and gave of herself to everyone she met.

For the last several years, Odom was a real estate agent with Keller Williams Real Estate Agency in Winston-Salem, N.C. Before becoming a real estate agent, she was employed as an administrative assistant at North Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem. When she lived in Philadelphia, she was employed with the city for several years.

Odom died on January 14 of a massive stroke in Winston Salem. She was 57.

Odom was born on August 2, 1954, in Richmond, Va., to Stanley Royster and Mary Ann Gaines.

She graduated from the public schools in Philadelphia and attended Temple University. She lived in Philadelphia until 2000 when she made her move to Winston-Salem and became an active member of Unity Church of Winston-Salem.

Odom was affectionately known as “Queen” to her children and “Duchess” to her grandchildren in honor of her royal ways. Her family said she had an infectious laugh with an enormous sense of humor. She was a go-getter and was known for her assertive quest for financial security, and above all, was a devoted mother and grandmother who loved her daughters and grandchildren dearly.

Odom is survived by: daughters, Marian “Chrissy” Simpson (Malik Cherry) and Marlena Gordon (Raymond Latane); four grandchildren, Desiree Gordon, Vernon Propst, William Gordon and Xavier Simpson; three sisters, Shirl Ryan, Hilda Thompson and Stacey Royster; two aunts, Alma Hampton and Alice Miller; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; two goddaughters, Lynn and Samantha “Missy” Foulk; and two longtime, special friends, Barbara Evans and Veronica Daniel.

Odom was preceded in death by her parents.

Services were held earlier this month at Canaan Baptist Church.