Opal Garris White

Opal was born in Yadkin County on June 24, 1927, the middle child of 9 to the late Ray Von Garris, Sr. and Rosa Lee Durham Garris. She grew up in Wilkes County and attended Roaring River High School where she excelled in sports. She was the captain of her basketball team. After high school Opal attended Appalachian State for a short while before going to work in Winston-Salem as a telephone operator with South Bell after that she started work at Hanes Hosiery. She retired from Hanes at the age of 55. Opal worked hard during her younger years to make sure she was able to play hard in her retired years.

Opal was vivacious and energetic. She was always up for an adventure. In her spare time, she made porcelain dolls and tended to her floral garden. She loved any and all flowers. She also loved her water aerobics class at Central YMCA where she made lots of friends. She loved cooking for her family and her Banana Pudding was truly delicious.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Luther C. White, and siblings, Lucille Blackburn, Mary Wiles, Lewis Everette Garris, Victor Eller Garris, Emmanuel Garris, Ray Von Garris, Jr., and Peggy Ann Carter. Opal leaves behind her children Larry C. (Lori) White and Diane W. (Christopher) Beal; grandchildren, Ashley W. Vernon, Morgan (Stewart) Cooper, Chandler White, Christopher Lucas (Meg) Beal, and Tyler J. Beal; great grandchildren, Elizabeth Hazel Beal, Owen Lucas Beal, Grant Rutledge Beal; Sister, Rosa Lee Mathis; numerous nieces and nephews.

We can smile at long last knowing you are with your heavenly family. Thank you for all the love, care and adventures you shared with us.

A memorial service will be on Wednesday, March 1st at 11am at Knollwood Baptist Church.