Opal Turner

Opal L. Turner, 87 years, of Monroe, Michigan, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 16, 2012 in The Lutheran Home. Born June 20, 1924 in Claiborne County, Tennessee. Opal was the daughter of the late Stephen and Nancy (Brooks) Whitaker. Opal attended Wiley School in Tazewell, Tennessee. On October 19, 1940 in Middlesboro, KY, Opal married her beloved husband Major S. Turner. Sadly, Major preceded her in death on January 19, 2011 after 70 years of marriage. The couple moved to Monroe in the 1940’s to raise their family. A wonderful homemaker, Opal also worked alongside her husband, Major, in his businesses. Opal was a member of First Baptist Church in Monroe and its Dorcas Circle. Opal was also a member of the “Weakender’s” RV Club. She enjoyed camping, sewing, gardening, reading, and her church. Nothing gave Opal more joy than spending time with and caring for her family. Opal is survived by six loving children: Douglas R. (Arlene) Turner of Brighton, MI, Rebekah C. (John) Odinga of Traverse City, MI, John S. (Patricia) Turner of Monroe, Nancy E. (Kenneth) Briggs of Napa, CA, Lisa T. (Mike) Kwiecinski of Dearborn Heights, MI, and Scott A. (Penny) Turner of Monroe, eleven loving grandchildren, Ten cherished great grandchildren, and a brother Jackie Don (Doris) Whitaker of Murfreesboro, TN. In addition to her husband and parents, Opal was preceded in death by an infant son Larry L. Turner and five sisters: Nevada C. Richardson, Shirley C. Arp, Lillie Ethel Brooks, Beulah M. Estes, and Hazel G. Massingell. Visitation will be held on Friday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1201 S. Telegraph Rd., in Monroe where funeral services celebrating her life will be held on Saturday, April 21, 2012 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. Kenneth Dunn, retired pastor of First Baptist Church, will officiate. She will then be taken to Riverview Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery, Powell River Road, Harrogate, TN 37752, where graveside services will be held on Monday, April 23, 2012 at 2:00 PM. Memorial contributions are suggested to First Baptist Church 1602 N. Custer Rd. Monroe, MI 48162