Mother Odester Link affectionally known as "Dessie" was born on May 31, 1938 to late Elsie Jimmerson and the late Lex Gilliams. Odester's faith in God was strong and steady, she was baptized at an early age at Shady Grove M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Rev. J.H. Hall. In her later years, she became a member of the St. John M.B. Church in Brickeys, AR under the leadership of Rev. Sammie T. Beason where she was a faithful member until her passing.

Mother Link had many abilities. She was an expert in the kitchen, known for her chess pies, a canner of vegetables and fruits – peaches and pears and an expert gardener. She was also a quilter. Later in her life she attended night school to get her GED.

Odester had a heart for loving people. She was the "mother" to many children that were not her own in the neighborhood. Her home was a safe haven of love, warmth and a wealth of wisdom and fun. She loved joking and being involved in family "comic" moments. She would be the life of a party, always making anyone new around her feel accepted and loved.

Odester was married to the late Earl Hubert Reed. During this union eight children were born. Later she married the late Johnny Lee Link, their union two children were welcome, this union also gave her five additional children to love.

Odester sang her heart out to the Lord. Her soul-sister voice mesmerized others with the harmonious notes in her favorite songs; "He's Calling Me", "Old Ship of Zion" and "Little Wooden Church on the Hill". Her gifted voice was shared among groups such as the Shady Grove Spiritual Singers and the Gospel Five.

Mother Link leaves to cherish her legacy 13 children: Willie Mae Conner, Mary Ann White, Earl H. Reed, Lorraine Reed, Lenora (Sammie) Beason, Rodney (Betsy) Reed, Keith (Lisa) Reed, Kendra (Toure) Carter, James (Audrey) Garrett, Victor (Kim) Link, Bedford Link, Kenneth Link and Sharon (Jimmy) Bonner.

Odester's other heartbeats of life were her brothers and sister; Edward (Betty) Jimmerson of Helena, AR, Roy (Beverly) Harris of Chicago, IL and Linda Jimmerson of St. Louis, MO and an uncle, Willie Lee Davis of Helena, AR. She leaves a very true friend to cherish her memories, Rosie Green of Hughes, AR.

Mother Link was preceded in death by her mother and father; two sisters; Elester Artis and Jessie Mae Williams; two brothers, Slyvester Artis and Jim Jimmerson; two sons, Bobby Reed and Albert Lee Reed, several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Mother Odester Link's legacy of love and caring for family will continue on in a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great grandchildren, a brother-in-law, lots of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Mother Link was a shining light in the lives of all who had the privilege of knowing her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion and unwavering faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of her family, friends and many more lives.