I will miss my cousin dearly.  We were the best of friends all our lives.  We were both only children so for me she was the Sister i never had.   Opal Leigh was a very private person and i feel priviledged that she ooened her heart to me.  We come from a long line of strong women and Opal was one of the strongest women i have ever known.  I loved her big personality and as Sisters we had so much in common:  our hopes, dreams and values which we shared constantly. Over so many years.   Never did we hang up from a phone conversation (which often lasted an hour or more) or seeing each other that we didn't say I love you.  when i was in need of a family fix she was my go to person.  She was "home" for me.  I take comfort in the fact she knew all her life how much i loved her.  It is so difficult to put into words the loss i feel now but i know she is at peace  and truly this is what she wanted.  I am heartbroken to have lost my dear Sister, my comforter, my friend and for me a big part of my heart.   All i can say is thank you to the universe for giving me Opal Leigh in my life.  She was and always will be a very precious gift and treasure in my life  i love you Opal Leigh  Barbara

I'll never forget Opal Leigh and Bob coming to my wedding in 2002. As part of our reception we asked that the couple who had been married the longest start off the dancing. That was Opal Leigh and Bob...they showed us how it is done, and when asked the secret to a long marriage, Bob said, "yes, ma'am" and Opal Leigh just smiled. I loved the time I was able to spend with Opal Leigh over the years, and will miss her tremendously.

I was blessed to have Opal Leigh in my life. Although technically we were cousins she was always Aunt Opal Leigh, always my mom's favorite niece, and after my mom's death she became my surrogate mother through high school and college.  Always a classy loving lady with style, a sly sense of humor, and a mean bowler.  I will miss her.

I have been lucky enough to have some wonderful ladies in my life who taught me about family.....What it means and how you should work to build it. Opal Leigh Gates was a strong lady who treated family like life's true treasure. Opal Leigh did not welcome me right away--I had to earn my way into her heart...She was smart, funny and loved my Larry. I had to prove I was worthy of her treasure. Once I did, she became a lovely mentor with a wicked sense of humor and a keen insight into people......I love her and will miss her very much..But, I am betting she and Bob are now dancing together the way they did at Rachel's wedding....She kept telling me she needed to be with her Bob. I hope they are enjoying being together again. Thank you for letting me inside your circle and for all you taught me. RIP, Opal.
Mickey LeRoy, wife of Larry Vaughn

I was so sad to hear that Opal had passed, always was one of my favorite people/clients she will rest in peace with Robert now.

OBITUARY

Opal Leigh Gates

November 9, 1927 – August 12, 2016

Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home & White Chapel Cemetery

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