Opal Mae Rose

On November 9, 1933, in Jacksonville, Texas, a little baby girl was born to Solomon and Delasa Scott. They named her Opal. That name was fitting because she was their new precious gem. Opal became the baby sister to Jean, Dorothy, Ozie, MB, Solomon Jr., and Sonny B. The Scott's were one big family living in Jacksonville, Texas. She attended the local school, attended a Baptist church, and was baptized in a nearby pond.

At the very young age of 15, Opal met Sylvester Rose, the love of her life, and they were married November 28, 1948. Soon after, Opal and Sylvester moved to Loraine, Texas and started their family. Together, they had Louis Charles, Brenda Genail, Emma Louise, Flora Jean, Joffelyn Chequita, and Leslie Jean.

Along with being a full-time wife and mother, Opal worked in the homes of others and cleaned house for a living. In the 1960s, she and Sylvester opened their own business in Loraine, a small café. Later, Opal got jobs at Loraine Nursing Home and Roots Memorial Hospital. In the 1980s, she tested her entrepreneur skills once more and opened her own restaurant –- The Westbrook Café -- as well as a small restaurant at the Colorado City Livestock Auction. She was truly a businesswoman and a whiz in the kitchen, the people especially loved her barbeque brisket and homemade pies.

In 1997, Opal’s life changed as God began a new chapter in her life. The apple of her eye went home to be with the Lord. While grieving the loss of her love, she decided to relocate to the Golden State – California. She moved to Modesto, where her eldest daughter Brenda lived at the time, and became a member of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. She later moved to San Jose, CA, making it her permanent home.

In 2002, she rededicated her life to Christ and was baptized at Emmanuel Baptist Church. After joining EBC, she became involved in many ministries. She was a member of the Senior Usher Board, Golden Harvesters, the Monday Night Prayer group, Tuesday Night Bible Studies, Operation Share, and the Sunday School. Opal was an Honorary Board Member of All That Women & Girls, Inc. In San Jose, Opal led a very busy life and was involved in much. Her children would call and often have to leave a message; she would always get back to them though.

In 2007, Opal’s life would yet change again. She experienced a major stroke, a tragedy which left her paralyzed on her left side. Making the decision to go to a skilled nursing facility, Opal found peace and contentment. She had good days and some bad, but when asked how she was doing, she would always say, “I am good.” She had a peace that only God could give.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Solomon and Delasa Scott; the love of her life, Sylvester Rose; two brothers, Sonny B and MB Scott; two sisters, Jean and Dorothy Jean; and one grandson, Keith Everett Rose. Left to celebrate Opal’s life and legacy are her six children, Louis Rose (Debbie), Brenda Hill, Emma Miller, all of Indianapolis, IN; Flora Amir of Cleveland, OH; Jackie Partlow (Kennth) of Delphi, IN; and Leslie Anderson (Derrick) of Gilroy, CA; one sister, Ozie McPeters, and one brother, Solomon Scott, both of Palm Springs, CA; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-six great-grandchildren, eight great-great grandchildren, and many extended family members and friends.

Arrangements under the direction of Willow Glen Funeral Chapel, San Jose, CA.