Smith, Opal Lee

Family Gatherings Were Important To Her

  • Sunday, April 16, 2023
Opal Smith
Opal Smith

Opal Lee Smith was born April 13, 1941 in Clio, West Virginia, and passed away on April 14, 2023.

She was raised in Belle, WV and later married her high school sweetheart, George Smith. They raised their children in Cross Lanes, WV and then retired in Looneyville, WV. Opal retired from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources in Charleston, WV.

Opal loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them and her love was easily felt by her selfless desire to take care of others. Family gatherings were important to her. She always wanted everyone there, so she could visit and hug them all.

She enjoyed her time at the Amma Community and Senior Center and the Chickamauga Active Living Center. She made wonderful friends at each, and talked positively about them all the time.

Her granddaughter, Channa Leighton, wrote this beautiful poem describing her values and her life.

All grandparents are gold
but mine was sparkling Opal too
Colors so bright when she was near
her light shined warm on you

Truth be told it didn’t matter
how she came into your life
Mom, neighbor, Mamaw, friend
& Papaw George’s wife

Once her iridescence lit you up
you were blessed forever
Bound to be left wishing
for one more hug together

Helping others recharged her soul;
she was everything to everyone
Cooking, crocheting, volunteering,
reading, shopping, having fun

Fish fries, family, flea markets,
beaches—laying in the sun
Gardens, thrifting, game shows,
uniquest snacks
longest walks of anyone

Fiery, feisty, funny,
but wise and grounded too
She gave so much to all of us
then found more to give to you

A mesmerizing glisten
lighting the darkest night
Advice worth every listen
Now you take your flight

Shine down on this whole world
Illuminate every soul who needs you
A Pearl inside an oyster
April diamonds refract too

Glows radiate from hearts you touched
& now’s our time to share
A legacy of luminous light,
All of us left better
because an Opal cared

Opal was preceded in death by her husband of 62 years, her parents, Jacob Earl and Flotie Lee Douglas, her sisters, Violet Hardesty and Louise Keeney, as well as her brother Jacob “Buddy” Douglas.

She is survived by her children, Butch (Robin) Smith, Chuck (Kim) Smith Sr., and Leesa (Paul) Ross. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Brandy Bolton, Channa (Scott) Leighton, Chuck Smith, Jr., Eric Smith, and Kristina (Kyle) Nadrowski. Lastly, she is survived by her great-grandchildren, Brianna Bolton, Andrew Sheffield, Ansley Bolton, Kenlee Leighton, Aiden Mooney, CharleeAnn Leighton, Michael Leighton, and Brody Nadrowski.

A memorial service honoring her life is to be held at a future date and time. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, monetary donations be sent to the church she attended, which she loved dearly--Newton Baptist Church, PO Box 814814, Newton, WV 25266.

Everyone who knew her will miss her caring spirit and treasure the memories that they have of her.

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