Opal Wilson

On April 18, 1921. Harvey Anderson and Nora Bowens were blessed by God with the birth of Opal Anderson Bowen. A few years later Nora Bowen passed away. Opal was adopted and raised by Henry Tenner and Lillie Sterns. Opal grew up and was educated in Henderson, Texas. Opal was blessed with one child, Christine Sterns. In 1945 Opal met and married Samuel Wilson. He was a musician and a professional baseball player in the Negro baseball league. Opal was married to Sam for 52 years. In 1948 Opal and Sam migrated to California. Once in California, Sam and Opal both found jobs, Opal as a domestic worker and Sam as a truck driver. They also invested in property. Opal worked for many years as a domestic worker until she retired in 1981. She worked for celebrities like Andy Griffin and a prominent UCLA Medical Center surgeon Dr. Latter. She also loved to cook and take care of others. Opal was most definitely the matriarch of our family. She made it her personal responsibility to help those less fortunate than herself. As a child she grew up in poverty and had to work in the fields instead of go to school. Even though she had a limited education she found a way to live a prosperous and fulfilling life. Over the years Opal provided shelter and assistance to relatives, friends and neighbors, who affectionately called her “Grandma”. Although Opal only had one child (she loved children) she assisted her daughter with raising all six of her grandchildren. Opal and her husband also personally raised five of her great grandchildren: Malkia, Bernesha, James, Erica and Joshua. Opal leaves to mourn her daughter Christine Mitchell, five grand children, fifteen great grand children, twelve great-great-grand children, nieces, nephews and a host of relatives, friends and neighbors. Opal was preceded in death by her husband Samuel Wilson and grandson Bobby Mitchell.

Arrangements under the direction of Halverson, Stone & Myers Mortuary, Torrance, CA.