Opal Borden Gregory, 89, of Midwest City, died May 1, 2007 in Edmond, Oklahoma. Born October 26, 1917 in Shawnee to J.E. and 'Pammie' Borden. She was a long time member of Country Estates Baptist Church and was involved in many civic organizations and projects in Midwest City. Opal was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, Burse L. Borden; sisters, Gladys Wallis and Esther Holmes; and by her husband of over 50 years, James M. Gregory. She is survived by sons, Mitch and his wife Sharon of Edmond, and John of Albuquerque, NM; by grandchildren, Ross and his wife Amy of Oklahoma City, Tori of Stillwater, Chelsea of Albuquerque, and Dylan of Los Angeles; by great-grandchildren, Cole and Evan of Oklahoma City, who knew her as 'Opie.' After her marriage on June 27, 1939, civil service during World War II took her and husband Jim to Washington, D.C., San Antonio, Texas, and back to Oklahoma to work at then, new Tinker AFB. Hobbies included calligraphy and needlepoint, and she was most proud of her needlepoint of the Oklahoma state seal, which still remains on a dining chair at the Governor's Mansion. After Jim's death in 1989, Opal returned to work in her mid-70's for several years in the Personnel Department at the City of Midwest City, and at age 80, became the oldest retiree ever from the City. Family visitation will be at Barnes-Johnson on Thursday, May 3, 2007 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Funeral services will be on Friday, May 4, 2007 at 2:00 pm at Country Estates Baptist Church, 1000 S. Midwest Blvd., MWC. Interment will follow at Resthaven Cemetery in Shawnee, Oklahoma. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Susan G. Komen For the Cure, Central Oklahoma Affiliate, 1900 NW Expressway, Suite R-325, Oklahoma City, OK 73118. Barnes & Johnson Funeral Home 1820 S. Douglas Blvd Midwest City 733-2991
Published in The Oklahoman on 5/3/2007.