Opal Gearldean Raines, age 95, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Hillcrest Home.
She was born May 1, 1928, in the Pea Ridge Community of Marion County, to Solomon Charley and Edna Josephine Barnett Watts. Gearldean, together with her beloved husband, the Rev. John Kenneth Raines, dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and their communities. They passionately ministered in several Baptist churches, leaving an indelible mark of faith and kindness. Locally, they nurtured the congregations at Batavia Baptist Church and Bruno Baptist Church. They also pastored Lonoke Baptist Church in Overcup, along with several other churches, spreading the message of love and compassion.
She was not just a dedicated pastor's wife; she was also a successful businesswoman. She co-owned Ozark Cleaners in Harrison, where her hard work and determination were evident to all. Beyond her professional pursuits, Gearldean found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for sewing and singing Gospel music, talents she shared with those around her.
Above all, Gearldean cherished her time spent with family. Her love was a guiding light, and her presence brought warmth to every gathering. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.
She was a faithful member of the Red Oak Baptist Church, where her spirituality flourished, and her community found solace in her comforting presence. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Idella Edmonson.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Lissa Raines of Branson, Missouri; a daughter, Sharon Raines of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, John Shannon (Michelle) of Thornton, Colorado, Melissa Smith of La Jara, Colorado, Kevin Waterland of Springfield, Missouri, Nathaniel Raines (Bethany) of Marshfield, Missouri, Jeremie Hill (Adriana) of Gold Coast, Australia, and Joshua Hill of Gold Coast, Australia; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Solomon Watts of St. Joe and Odell Watts (Carmie) of Harrison; four sisters, Mattie Mae Lair of Valley Springs, Geneva Griffin of Harrison, Lavonne McCullough (Bill) of Harrison, and Deloice Jones of Everton; numerous nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Holt Memorial Chapel, where Pastor Gary Crawford, a dear friend and fellow servant of God, will officiate the service. Following the ceremony, Gearldean will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, under the compassionate direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
To honor Gearldean's memory and share condolences, friends and family are invited to visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.HoltChapel.com. In commemorating her life, let us remember the love she shared, the faith she upheld, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Gearldean's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us forever.
She was born May 1, 1928, in the Pea Ridge Community of Marion County, to Solomon Charley and Edna Josephine Barnett Watts. Gearldean, together with her beloved husband, the Rev. John Kenneth Raines, dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and their communities. They passionately ministered in several Baptist churches, leaving an indelible mark of faith and kindness. Locally, they nurtured the congregations at Batavia Baptist Church and Bruno Baptist Church. They also pastored Lonoke Baptist Church in Overcup, along with several other churches, spreading the message of love and compassion.
She was not just a dedicated pastor's wife; she was also a successful businesswoman. She co-owned Ozark Cleaners in Harrison, where her hard work and determination were evident to all. Beyond her professional pursuits, Gearldean found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for sewing and singing Gospel music, talents she shared with those around her.
Above all, Gearldean cherished her time spent with family. Her love was a guiding light, and her presence brought warmth to every gathering. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.
She was a faithful member of the Red Oak Baptist Church, where her spirituality flourished, and her community found solace in her comforting presence. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Idella Edmonson.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Lissa Raines of Branson, Missouri; a daughter, Sharon Raines of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, John Shannon (Michelle) of Thornton, Colorado, Melissa Smith of La Jara, Colorado, Kevin Waterland of Springfield, Missouri, Nathaniel Raines (Bethany) of Marshfield, Missouri, Jeremie Hill (Adriana) of Gold Coast, Australia, and Joshua Hill of Gold Coast, Australia; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Solomon Watts of St. Joe and Odell Watts (Carmie) of Harrison; four sisters, Mattie Mae Lair of Valley Springs, Geneva Griffin of Harrison, Lavonne McCullough (Bill) of Harrison, and Deloice Jones of Everton; numerous nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Holt Memorial Chapel, where Pastor Gary Crawford, a dear friend and fellow servant of God, will officiate the service. Following the ceremony, Gearldean will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, under the compassionate direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
To honor Gearldean's memory and share condolences, friends and family are invited to visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.HoltChapel.com. In commemorating her life, let us remember the love she shared, the faith she upheld, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Gearldean's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us forever.
Opal Gearldean Raines, age 95, of Harrison, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18, 2023, at Hillcrest Home.
She was born May 1, 1928, in the Pea Ridge Community of Marion County, to Solomon Charley and Edna Josephine Barnett Watts. Gearldean, together with her beloved husband, the Rev. John Kenneth Raines, dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and their communities. They passionately ministered in several Baptist churches, leaving an indelible mark of faith and kindness. Locally, they nurtured the congregations at Batavia Baptist Church and Bruno Baptist Church. They also pastored Lonoke Baptist Church in Overcup, along with several other churches, spreading the message of love and compassion.
She was not just a dedicated pastor's wife; she was also a successful businesswoman. She co-owned Ozark Cleaners in Harrison, where her hard work and determination were evident to all. Beyond her professional pursuits, Gearldean found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for sewing and singing Gospel music, talents she shared with those around her.
Above all, Gearldean cherished her time spent with family. Her love was a guiding light, and her presence brought warmth to every gathering. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.
She was a faithful member of the Red Oak Baptist Church, where her spirituality flourished, and her community found solace in her comforting presence. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Idella Edmonson.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Lissa Raines of Branson, Missouri; a daughter, Sharon Raines of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, John Shannon (Michelle) of Thornton, Colorado, Melissa Smith of La Jara, Colorado, Kevin Waterland of Springfield, Missouri, Nathaniel Raines (Bethany) of Marshfield, Missouri, Jeremie Hill (Adriana) of Gold Coast, Australia, and Joshua Hill of Gold Coast, Australia; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Solomon Watts of St. Joe and Odell Watts (Carmie) of Harrison; four sisters, Mattie Mae Lair of Valley Springs, Geneva Griffin of Harrison, Lavonne McCullough (Bill) of Harrison, and Deloice Jones of Everton; numerous nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Holt Memorial Chapel, where Pastor Gary Crawford, a dear friend and fellow servant of God, will officiate the service. Following the ceremony, Gearldean will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, under the compassionate direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
To honor Gearldean's memory and share condolences, friends and family are invited to visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.HoltChapel.com. In commemorating her life, let us remember the love she shared, the faith she upheld, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Gearldean's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us forever.
She was born May 1, 1928, in the Pea Ridge Community of Marion County, to Solomon Charley and Edna Josephine Barnett Watts. Gearldean, together with her beloved husband, the Rev. John Kenneth Raines, dedicated their lives to serving the Lord and their communities. They passionately ministered in several Baptist churches, leaving an indelible mark of faith and kindness. Locally, they nurtured the congregations at Batavia Baptist Church and Bruno Baptist Church. They also pastored Lonoke Baptist Church in Overcup, along with several other churches, spreading the message of love and compassion.
She was not just a dedicated pastor's wife; she was also a successful businesswoman. She co-owned Ozark Cleaners in Harrison, where her hard work and determination were evident to all. Beyond her professional pursuits, Gearldean found immense joy in the simple pleasures of life. She had a passion for sewing and singing Gospel music, talents she shared with those around her.
Above all, Gearldean cherished her time spent with family. Her love was a guiding light, and her presence brought warmth to every gathering. Her legacy of love and devotion will continue to inspire generations to come.
She was a faithful member of the Red Oak Baptist Church, where her spirituality flourished, and her community found solace in her comforting presence. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and a sister, Idella Edmonson.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Doug and Lissa Raines of Branson, Missouri; a daughter, Sharon Raines of Springfield, Missouri; six grandchildren, John Shannon (Michelle) of Thornton, Colorado, Melissa Smith of La Jara, Colorado, Kevin Waterland of Springfield, Missouri, Nathaniel Raines (Bethany) of Marshfield, Missouri, Jeremie Hill (Adriana) of Gold Coast, Australia, and Joshua Hill of Gold Coast, Australia; 13 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Solomon Watts of St. Joe and Odell Watts (Carmie) of Harrison; four sisters, Mattie Mae Lair of Valley Springs, Geneva Griffin of Harrison, Lavonne McCullough (Bill) of Harrison, and Deloice Jones of Everton; numerous nephews and nieces; and other relatives and friends.
The funeral will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 23, 2023, at Holt Memorial Chapel, where Pastor Gary Crawford, a dear friend and fellow servant of God, will officiate the service. Following the ceremony, Gearldean will be laid to rest in Maplewood Cemetery, under the compassionate direction of Holt Memorial Chapel.
The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home.
The family requests that memorial contributions be made to Hillcrest Home, 1111 Maplewood Road, Harrison, Arkansas 72601.
To honor Gearldean's memory and share condolences, friends and family are invited to visit the online obituary and guestbook at www.HoltChapel.com. In commemorating her life, let us remember the love she shared, the faith she upheld, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness. Gearldean's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know her, and her spirit will continue to inspire us forever.
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