Bettie B. Opiela

Bettie Opiela passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours on November 5, 2021. Born in Jourdanton, Texas, she was the first child of John and Bettie Bacak. She grew up in Kerrville, Texas, and later her family moved to Alice, Texas where she graduated from Alice High School. She worked as a babysitter and as a seamstress and later was employed as a bookkeeper at Alice National Bank. She was active in the St. Elizabeth Parish in Alice and served on the Altar Society. She later met and then married James Opiela in 1958. The young couple lived in Alice and raised a family of five children there until 1974 when James’s employer promoted him to a position in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In Corpus Christi, the family continued to thrive under Bettie’s guidance. She became very active in the Most Precious Blood Parish, serving in many different organizations and positions. She volunteered in many capacities on committees including the Annual MPB Barbeque and the Arts and Environments Committee, and she was instrumental in making the Alter’s appearance what it is today. She ran her business, B. Marie Interior Creations for many years while caring for Jim’s parents, the family, and whatever project was going on at church—all of which she joyfully embraced. She was always the first to rise and the last to go to bed. In her later years, she spent most of her time with the MPB Women’s Council on preparing and serving funeral meals for families. This was a job that she knew must be done. The last few years she withdrew from these activities and retired as her mobility was decreasing and her energy slowly fading.

Bettie is survived by her son, Michael (Elizabeth); son, Robert (Charlie); daughter, Judith Lopez (Isaias); son Bernard; and son, Anthony (Endrina); her grandchildren, Jonathon Lopez, William Lopez, Angelica Lopez, Michael Opiela, James Opiela, Endrina Opiela, and Victoria Opiela; her two great grandchildren, Brandon Lopez and Charlie Lopez; and a multitude of nieces and nephews.

Bettie is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 55 years, four brothers, and three sisters—including one who passed on August 31, 2021 and another who passed October 24, 2021.

May the souls of all the faithfully departed through the mercy of God rest in peace, Amen.