Opal Louise Hardin was born on August 28th, 1936 in Winter Haven, Florida. Her parents, Ivey J. Garrett Sr. & Essie Mae Garrett, welcomed her into the world just at sunrise. She was the first daughter & second child to a family that would grow from two children to twelve. Opal loved her family tremendously, adoring her Father most. She spoke highly of him, describing him as doting & a great provider. Caring for such a large family was no small feat, as Opal’s early life took place during the Great Depression.
In grade school Opal would meet the love of her life, Gilbert L. Hardin. Their love would endure over the years, only to bring them back to each other in adulthood, marrying in 1971. Gilbert loved, cherished & cared for Opal until the morning she returned to heaven. She passed peacefully on May 18th, 2018.
Opal loved and adored her children and always put everyone else’s need before her own. She is affectionately remembered as a loving & vibrant soul. She was blessed with numerous artistic talents. Whether it be on canvas, with material or in the kitchen, Opal created wonders. Self- taught, her art rivaled those of formal education, her clothing that of a seasoned seamstress and the recipes she created cannot be replicated in flavor or visual presentation. She is very much loved by those she has touched in life & most of all…her family.
Opal is survived by three generations. Sons: Gary Hillyer, Gregg Hillyer & Daniel Bean (married to Hope). Her daughter Robin Johnson, Step-Daughter Selena Blawn, thirteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
Visitation, Wednesday, May 23, 2018 at 12 Noon with Chapel Service at 1:00 PM at Fero Funeral Home. Graveside Service to follow at Fero Memorial Gardens.
Arrangements entrusted to
Fero Funeral Home
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