Opal M Hunt

Opal Squyers Hunt, our beloved mother, aunt and friend passed away Saturday, July 16, 2011. Born in Arkansas on February 26, 1924, Opal lived much of her life in Austin and communities near Galveston. She graduated from high school in Kilgore and attended Kilgore Junior College. Her husband, Darrell, died in 1947 trying unsuccessfully to save her young brother, Billy Ray Squyers, from drowning. Opal suddenly became the family's breadwinner. Her youngest son was four-months old. She did so well, rising from a stenographer to become an administrative secretary for some of the top officials in the then-Texas Welfare Department, that she saw both sons through the University of Texas and became a homeowner. In more than 31 years of service, she won several awards, including employee of the year. Nothing meant more to Opal than her family, her faith in God and her friends. She leaves behind beautiful hand-made afghans and delightful journals. She loved to recount her colorful experiences as a Special Olympics volunteer. When Opal moved to Seabrook in 2005, she had one last adventure living on Galveston Bay and becoming an avid birder. She is survived by sons Donald and Michael, nephew Phil Worley, his wife Cindy, their daughter Alyssa and former daughter-in-law Glenda Hart. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make donations to Special Olympics Texas or your local Special Olympics organization. Graveside services will be conducted on Tuesday, the 19th of July 2011 at ten o’clock in the morning at Austin Memorial Park. The family will host a lunch in her honor for her friends at eleven o’clock in the morning at Jorge’s Restaurant, 2203 Hancock Drive. Tributes may be made at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com