Viola "Jessie" Long Opella

Viola “Jessie” Opella passed away on April 28th at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Julius “Pappy” Opella. Jessie was born on an Army post in Wichita Falls to Jesse and Mamie Long on October 2, 1920.

Jessie lived a full and happy life, raising four children and “serving” with Pappy in the U.S. Air Force for 30 years. Jessie and Pappy were both native Texans who always took a little bit of Texas with them to all their duty stations. They retired to San Antonio in 1967 and began an active retirement of traveling to see the grandchildren and fun trips to Las Vegas. Jessie, always a positive force, enjoyed raising her children and volunteering at their schools. She was a Den Mother, Girl Scout Leader, Little League supporter and provided a home where all children felt welcomed and loved. Jessie was active in the Catholic Church and loved playing Bingo at St. Thomas More Catholic Church and the VFW’s with her “Bingo Buddies” and watching the Spurs and Astros.

She is survived by her four children; Mary Taylor and her husband Rick, Richard Opella, Judy Spruill, and Jan Opella; her five grandchildren: Sandra Fierro, Debbie Curry, Tiffany Camp and her husband Randy, Dustin Spruill and Cara McDonald and her husband Ceyl; and four great-grandchildren: Jonathan, Katie, Nick and Tori, and many friends and relatives. She is missed by all she touched.

Visitation will be held Thursday, April 29, 2010 from 6-8 PM at Sunset Funeral Home, a Rosary will be recited at 7PM the same evening. The Funeral Mass will be held at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 4411 Moana Dr. in San Antonio on Friday, April 30, 2010 at 10AM. A Graveside Service will be held Monday, May 5, 2010 at 9:45 AM at Ft. Sam Houston National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions can be made to the charity of your choice or to the Lady Bird Johnson Legacy Wildflower Seeding Campaign to plant more of the Bluebonnets that she enjoyed so much.