Opal Christine Simpson Burgess

Opal Christine Burgess was born on October 14, 1921 to Bessie and Isaac Simpson in Henryetta, Oklahoma. She died on November 29, 2020 at Noble Health Care Center in Noble, Oklahoma. Opal was raised in the Wilson community near Henryetta, Oklahoma and was a proud Wilson Tiger graduate of 1940 and enjoyed attending high school reunions for many years.

After high school, Opal worked as a “Rosie the Riveter”at McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in Tulsa. She married Lawrence Burgess on June 6, 1947, and they made their home in Henryetta, Oklahoma until 1962 when they moved to Norman. They had four daughters, Jeanne, Suzanne, Laura and Lisa. Opal was a homemaker who enjoyed sewing and cooking and in her later years, photography. She was a serious student of the Bible and enjoyed a good debate. She made an excellent cherry pie, which the family enjoyed on Wednesday night before church for many years. She attended Westside Church of Christ until she was physically unable to attend. She was an animal lover, especially cats, but fed any creatures that came into her yard. She enjoyed OU sports but was most proud of all her daughters graduating from the University of Oklahoma.

Opal is survived by her daughters, Jeanne Webb, of Norman, Oklahoma; Suzanne Burgess, of Norman, Oklahoma; Laura Koone and husband Mark, of Sherman, Texas; Lisa Hayes and husband Jim, of West Chester, Ohio; grandchildren Mark and Rachael Webb, of Mustang, Oklahoma; Kristen Webb of Norman, Oklahoma; Brandon Koone of Sherman, Texas; Carlene and Laura Hayes of West Chester, Ohio; great grandchildren Damon Webb and Brooks Webb, of Mustang, Oklahoma. Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence, their first child, a son, and son-in-law David Webb.

The family will greet visitors from 11 am to 1 pm on Saturday, December 5 at Primrose Funeral Home in Norman. A private graveside service will follow at 2 pm. Memorial contributions may be made to Hands Helping Paws in Norman. The family would like to thank the staff at Noble Health Care and Centennial Hospice for their care for the past three years.