Opal Woodard

Opal, affectionately known as “Tee” and “Gram”, was born August 25, 1912 in Yazoo County, MS. She was the seventh of thirteen children born to Manuel and Caldonia Moore. She received her education from the Yazoo County school system and continued her education further by completing a certification in Cosmetology in Michigan.

A deeply spiritual and God fearing woman, Opal confessed Christ at an early age. She was blessed with four sons: Hubert Galloway (Notie), Leonard Lear, Richard “Bay” Jones and Thomas Irvin (LouBertha).

During the 1940’s, Opal worked at Harper Hospital in Detroit and the Willow Run plant where she helped to assemble the B-52 WWII planes. Opal later returned to Yazoo City, MS where she continued her work as a beautician until she retired.

Opal was a devoted daughter and caregiver to her parents. She possessed a warm and giving spirit. Her door was always open to help her family and friends in need. You could always count on a fried fish dinner, chocolate cake and homemade ice cream in the summer time (thanks Aunt Ber). At Christmas it was the hog head cheese and fruitcake that she made with love. Those were her signature gifts to her loved ones.

Opal stayed busy during retirement enjoying gardening, cooking, quilting, making wine, raising chickens and creating an array of medicinal remedies to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, Opal was called home to take her place with our Lord. Her homegoing completes the cycle of her brothers and sisters who preceded her to heaven.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son Leonard; her daughters-in-law: Notie Galloway and LouBertha Irvin; her grandchildren: Kelvin, Sandra, Hubert Jr., Deward, Deitrich, Lenda, Eric, Audrey, Tonderlearie, Andrean, Terry, Wenda, Willie, Annette, Deloris, Doris, Eldrin and Corey; and a host of great and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.

Opal is preceded in death by her husband Vollie Woodard; her twelve brothers and sisters: Willella, Cenie, Katie, Evelyn, Douglas, Evans, Floyd, Cleotra, Roberta, Elnora, Lucille and David; her sons: Hubert Sr., Richard and Thomas; and her grandson Reginald.

Opal will be missed and forever in our hearts. The memory of her smile and the twinkle in her eyes will live on forever for all who loved her. Rest in peace Opal.

A special “Thank you” goes to Ellen Jackson for being there for “Tee” filling in as the daughter she never had. You warmed her heart!