The city of Hinesville renamed West Mills Avenue during a ceremony held Jan. 3 where West Mills intersects with Rebecca Street. To posthumously honor Edelle Osgood, a local resident who served the community and city for many years, the street now bears her name.
During a November city council meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Charles Frasier made a motion to rename the street, and the council voted unanimously to approve it.
Osgood lived most of her life on or near West Mills Avenue after moving from what now is Fort Stewart in the early 1940s.
Family members, community leaders and friends attended the ceremony, which was presided over by the Rev. Richie Williams, pastor of Bethel AME Church, where Osgood was a member.
“It is truly an honor for a street, building or anything to be named in one’s honor. It speaks volumes for one’s character,” Mayor James Thomas said.
Frasier talked about Osgood’s involvement in the community and city of Hinesville. Before there was a neighborhood-watch program, she watched over her neighborhood.
Mr. Henry Baker Sr.; Rep. Al Williams, D-Midway, one of Osgood’s relatives; Liberty County Commission Chairman Donald Lovette; and retired school superintendent Ed Edwards all spoke, praising Osgood for her faith, loyalty and passion for her community.
Earline Malone and Yvonne Woods said they remember Osgood as a generous landlord and a true friend who opened her doors daily for dinner when they got in from work.
Osgood was an avid sports fan who supported the children of the old Liberty County High School and Bradwell Institute. She retired in 1970 after 37 years of working for the Liberty County School System in lunchrooms and running concession stands.
Osgood and her husband, Henry Osgood, raised one daughter, Shirley Osgood, who is a retired Liberty County educator. At the end of the program, Shirley Osgood expressed gratitude for the honor given her mother by the Hinesville City Council and Frasier, who initiated the street renaming. After renovating her mother’s home, Shirley Osgood soon will live on Edelle Osgood Avenue.