Brother Odis Lee Easter, a true Christian, was the eighth child born to Telvis Easter and Ronie P. Johnson Easter in the Lumber Community (Columbia County), of Waldo, Arkansas on June 27, 1937. Brother Easter accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Davis Chapel Baptist Church in Lumber, Arkansas by Rev. W.M. Radford. He loved his youthful days growing up in Lumber as he often shared stories of swimming in the pond and growing up on the old farm. He attended public school in Waldo, Arkansas where he graduated Valedictorian of his class at Waldo High School in 1955. After graduating from high school, Brother Easter went on to matriculate at Arkansas Baptist College where he spent two years. He then transferred schools and became one of the first African-Americans to integrate the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, before deciding to join the U.S. Air Force in 1958.
Upon joining the U.S.A.F, Brother Easter was stationed in Rome, New York where he met and was united in holy matrimony to Linda June Gabbard in 1967. Under this union, one son was born: Eric Enrique’ Easter. After the death of his wife Linda and after traveling across the world in the Air Force, Brother Easter moved back to the United States. After a brief courtship, Brother Easter later married Helen Marcia Washington on November 23, 1975 when he then became the father of Cindy Robinson and Ericka Robinson. Under this union, two children were born, Allison Elaine Easter and Monica Janine Easter.
During his service in the military, as a real believer in the value of an education, Brother Easter received his Bachelors of Arts and two Master’s degrees. In preparation for retirement from the military, Brother Easter relocated from Scott Air Force Base in Belleville, Illinois, to Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana. It is here, where Brother Easter began to make his mark in the Shreveport/Bossier area. After moving to the Bossier City area, Brother Easter’s top priority was to find a church home for his family. After attending Zion Baptist Church, Brother Easter joined the church family where he remained a dedicated and faithful member until his homegoing. It is at Zion Baptist Church under the Pastorage of Brady L. Blade, Sr. that he led the Baptist Training Union (BTU) meetings, taught adult Sunday school class and became an ordained and servant member of the Deacon board. Brother Easter loved his church and spent many years encouraging those who he encountered to visit. If you were fortunate to receive one of his cards, you know he loved Zion Baptist Church.
Not only did Brother Easter make his mark at his church home, but as a small business entrepreneur, Odis Easter opened one of the first black-owned businesses, Easter Reprographics, on Texas Street in downtown Shreveport, Louisiana. Using his skills from the U.S. Air Force as a master printer, his printing shop became a familiar place of business for local church leaders, politicians, business people and government officials.
Brother Easter was also an active community servant as he was a past President of the Bossier Parish chapter of the N.A.A.C.P. for many years. Having grown up during the time of segregation, Brother Easter was passionate about using political power by voting. Brother Easter often traveled door-to-door to encourage voter registration and participation.
Among the many affiliations that Brother Easter was a part of, he was a proud member of the Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons, Shelley Hammond Lodge Number 247 as a 32nddegree Mason. In addition, he was a Shriner of the Abdul Temple Number 94. Fellowshipping among the brotherhood was always a joy for Brother Easter.
