Elizabeth Kim O'Dear's Obituary
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Ms. Elizabeth “Liz” K. O’Dear. She was born in Lubbock, Texas on February 9, 1952, and passed on February 13, 2026 in Houston, Texas. She is survived by a daughter, a sister, a large extended family, and an even larger community that loved her.
She was a friend, an advocate, an activist, and an active member of her local Baha’i Faith community. She served as Secretary of the Bellaire, Texas Local Spiritual Assembly for more than two decades, and supported activities in the wider Houston community for many more.
Liz’s activism was foremost on her mind when she attended the University of Houston with the intention of getting a History degree and proceeding to law school, but a chance offer changed the course of her life. While working as an administrator at a local hospital they put out a call to help convert their computer punch card system to a database. Her father had worked in hardware when computers were the size of rooms, and she thought it would be fun. In the process she found her passion.
Liz became a multi-language, multi-plaform contract programmer, working for almost every major employer in the region. Along the way she never gave up her activism. From whistleblowing at one major oil company to attempting to organize her fellow contractors in the 90s, she believed that society could be improved when we put in the work.
Later in life she continued to find ways to serve. She accompanied community members to doctor’s visits and chemo treatments, attended marches, and phone banked for organizations that mattered to her. She was not slowed until her own body forced to take a step back.
Her family asks that you offer prayers and positive thoughts for the progress of her soul and for the uplifting her friends and community.
A graveside only service will be held on February 28, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Houston Memorial Gardens. All are welcome.
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