Johnson-Odom recalled as quiet leader
Marlene Johnson-Odom was a quiet woman, but she knew how to get things done.
The longtime Milwaukee alderwoman led efforts on the Common Council to rename N. 3rd St. in honor of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. A Milwaukee native born in the central city, she was committed to issues like fair employment, civil rights and economic development. And she brought together developers and residents to improve the community.
“I think the best way I describe her is quiet leadership, as a mom and as a public figure,” said her daughter Jan Johnson Carlyle.
Johnson-Odom, who died Jan. 9 at age 80, represented the 6th District from 1980 to 2004. She served on the Milwaukee Common Council longer than any other woman and was also the longest-serving African-American member of the council.
U.S. Rep. Gwen Moore of Mil waukee called her “my friend and a Milwaukee and Wisconsin treasure” in a recent tribute.
She was a trailblazer who was also known for her kindness and grace. “She was a class act. A very intelligent, beautiful woman who had a really great soul and was very committed to public service and helping those who were disenfranchised not only in her district but other parts of the city,” Ald. Michael Murphy said. “She had a very quiet, unassuming way about her, but she got things done. She wasn’t all about patting herself on the back. She didn’t have a big ego.”
Johnson-Odom graduated from North Division High School, then got an associate degree at Milwaukee Area Technical College and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
“She’s always been interested in community service,” John- son Carlyle said. “She was a Kennedy girl, and she has always been interested in helping out the community.”
Before becoming an alderwoman, she taught etiquette at Milwaukee Public Schools. She also hosted a live television show and did local fashion shows.
“She was all about charm and grace,” her daughter said.
During her long tenure at City Hall, she was especially proud of her work on King Drive.
“She was always all about making sure that the community was well-represented and was taken care of in terms of what the needs were for the constituents and the business community also,” Johnson Carlyle said. “She, I think, is a major reason why King Drive development came back to the area after the riots in the ’60s.”
Ald. Milele Coggs, who now represents the 6th District, said she knew Johnson-Odom her whole life as an alderwoman and a family friend.
“I always thought she had a
kind spirit and a thoughtful heart, and I think she displayed that as she legislated,” Coggs said. “It is great to see the resurgence of MLK Drive now, when I know that resurgence wouldn’t have been possible if it weren’t for the foundation she laid with helping to get the name changed in the first place.”