Opal R. Neill

Opal Ray Givens Neill was born on a Saturday, March 25, 1933, in Johnson City, Texas, the second child to Matthew and Ora Givens during one of the harshest times in US History. Widespread drought and strong winds caused great dust storms, unemployment peaked at a high of 25%, banks were under great strain, World Leaders were trying to keep their people from being in a panic. The year 1933 was the harshest year of the period known as the Great Depression, but I assure you Opals parents were filled with joy upon her arrival.

Opal is part of a demographic between those known as the Greatest Generation and the Baby Boomers called the Silent Generation (people born between 1928 and 1945). As a child she shared the horrors of World War II, the fall of Nazism, and the devastation capable of the Nuclear bomb. As part of the Silent Generation, Opal, like her peers, is known for keeping her head down and working hard. This is not uncommon being the daughter of a Rancher. As a girl growing up in the Texas Country, Opal, developed her love of cooking and later was referred to by others as “Country Momma” as she served meals of chicken fried steak or venison backstrap with her famous biscuits and gravy. Others treated to her cooking at Louie’s Café where she worked with family. Opal was also known for having a “green thumb” and loved all types of flowers and plants.

Opal met her teenager sweetheart Jackie “Jack” S. Neill, and they married on July 22, 1950, when both were just 17 years old. Soon after a son, William Van Neil (9/21/1951), was born followed by a second son, James Stanley Neill (8/29/1957) six years later. Opal was a wonderful mother and invested her life in raising her two boys. As well as other children that she cared for with a home daycare. Two children that were special to Opal (and were like younger siblings to Van and Stan) were a set of twins, Jennifer and Jason. Family was always important to Opal, and she was especially proud of her two sons. As they became independent adults, the relationship between mother and sons remained strong, and the boys deeply lover their “Momma”. Opal also showered love to her daughter-in-law, Sara, from day one.

The feeling of friendship and being loved was true of many that met Opal. Upon her arrival at Golden Age Nursing Home in October of 2008, she became one of the favorites as she assumed her spot near the front door and monitored the activity of the facility. Her natural giftedness as a caretaker took over as the staff would be alerted anytime a wandering resident attempted to leave the building. She would also smile and wink as staff as they reported or departed from the building, and Opal loved to hear the staff share about their kids.

Opal was also often cracking jokes with her sharp wit. The food was an easy target since she had expertise with being a cook. At times she would be critical of the food. One Nurse, Patsy, recalled asking Opal about her lunch and she stated, “Don’t spit your snuff out”. One other nurse that became friends with Opal was Mary Margaret. It wasn’t uncommon for Mary Margaret to sneak into the kitchen and cook eggs for her and Opal as a midnight snack. They were like two teenage girls having a sleep over eating and telling stories.

As time progressed, Opal slowed as her health declined and side effects of Parkinson’s disease progressed. She adjusted to these physical limitations with grace, never complaining. She was always thankful for the help offered as she expressed her gratitude with a wink or a gentle pat on the hand.

Opal Ray Neill passed away on Monday, April 13, 2020, at the age of 87, during one of the harshest times in the US History characterized by a widespread virus, high unemployment, financial uncertainty, and World Leaders trying to keep their people from being in a panic. And I assure you that Opal’s Heavenly Father was filled with joy upon her arrival saying, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”