Opal Nicholson Boyd

This is the story of Opal Conova (Nicholson) Boyd. Opal was a wonderful woman. She was loved by all she met, will truly be missed, and was cherished by everyone for her ability to make everyone laugh. Our “Nana,” as she liked to be called by her grandson, was a true southern lady who loved the Lord every second of every day and could bake the most mouth watering pound cake ever.

Opal’s life started on October 13, 1928, the youngest child of eight children. She was born on Lake Street in Booneville, MS. Opal lived there with her four brothers and three sisters. She was very proud to be from Booneville and returned there every time she got a chance. Booneville is where she would meet the love of her life, Galoyd Graves Boyd. Opal and Galoyd married on December 1, 1951, who preceded her in death in 1979. After moving around a bit, they finally settled in Birmingham, AL which would be her home for the next 60+ years. In 1965, they were blessed with a son, Gregory who would become their gift from God. She was so proud of her son and how he grew into a wonderful, successful and exceptional man. She beamed with joy every time she mentioned his name. Opal never thought she would love someone so much as her son until she saw her grandchild, Luke. He became her heart and joy and was elated because she never thought she would live to see anything but grand dogs. There’s no denying that, her grandbaby was the light of her life. Time spent at Nana’s house was very special for her and even more special for Luke. Nana spoiled Luke and she delighted in it. Nana’s final wish in life was to have meaningful political discussions with her son and grandson over the dinner table and I am happy to say she got to do that more than once.

Opal had a vivacious personality and always made people around her feel welcome. Opal lived for watching the red birds in her backyard, westerns on tv (I think she had a secret crush on The Virginian), spending time with family and friends, and mostly Alabama football. Opal loved to love on people. Whether she was teaching bible study, working at the food bank or counseling others, she had a servant’s heart and loved helping others.

She used to always say: “Do what’s right and do what’s good. Be kind and help others. The world can always use one more kind person.” Her life was a living example of one of her favorite Bible verses, Ephesians 4:32 — “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

Opal is survived by her son Gregory and his wife, Nancy and her only grandchild Luke.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.johnsridoutselmwoodchapel.com for the Boyd family.