Opal Simmons Westfall, 96, formally of Dunbar, WV, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, January 23, 2015. She had lived in Mooresville, NC for the past 14 years.
Opal was born on October 19, 1918 in Slate, WV. She was the daughter of the late John and Winnie Simmons.
Opal was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 58 years, Glen Russell Westfall. Also preceding her in death were her brothers Fred, Dallas, Paul and Delbert and sisters Nola Milam, Nellie Stone and Mary Dolin.
Opal leaves behind to cherish wonderful memories, daughter and son-in-law Beverly and Jim Walker of Mooresville, NC and Barbara Mode of Lexington, NC. She was also preceded in death by her wonderful son-in-laws Jerry Talbott and Robert Mode.
Grandchildren include Lori Granger and husband Greg of Elwood, IN, Chad Walker of Charlotte, NC, Sara Goldberg and husband Dave of Cary, NC and Andrew Johnson and wife Amanda of Elwood, IN.
Great Grandchildren who gave Opal such joy include Maddison and Hayley Granger and Gavin and Liam Johnson of Elwood, IN and Charlie Goldberg of Cary, NC. Also left to cherish her memories are many special nieces, nephews and friends.
Opal grew up in Dunbar, WV and graduated from Dunbar High School in 1937. She had continued lasting friendships with her classmates and their families. She was a member of Dunbar United Methodist Church in Dunbar.
Opal and Glen moved to Belle, WV where they raised their daughters. They enjoyed family camping trips throughout WV and vacations to the beach. Opal retired from Cecil I. Walker Machinery in Belle, WV where she worked for 25 years. She was a dedicated employee and treasured the friendships she made throughout those years.
Opal moved to Mooresville, NC in 2001 to be near family and enjoyed the Lake Norman area. In 2003 Opal's sister Mary moved to Mooresville and they lived together for 7 1/2 years prior to Mary's passing. They were known at the retirement home as "The Sisters" and had many wonderful times together. Opal enjoyed being in the Red Hats and also developed heartfelt relationships with so many residents and staff.
Her funeral service will held at 2:00 pm on Wednesday, January 28 at Keller Funeral Home in Dunbar, WV, with the Reverend John Mason officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will follow at Grandview Memorial Park in Dunbar.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to Hospice of Iredell County for providing Opal with wonderful care, especially to Chaplain Stephen, volunteer Kay, NP Lynne, RNs Katie, Bria and Lyndsey, caregivers Gail, Barbara, Sarah, Donna, Debbie, Kathy and Shirley. The family also wishes to thank everyone at Brookdale Churchill for their excellent care over the years, with special gratitude to Amanda, Eddie and Zully.
If you wish to make a memorial donation in Opal's memory, please consider Hospice of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Road, Statesville, NC 28625 or Dunbar United Methodist Church, 1401 Myers Ave, Dunbar, WV 25064.
All those who knew Opal will always remember her testimony " I Am Truly Blessed".