Opal Lorraine Stone passed away November 15, 2015.

Wife to Edgar N. Stone for over 64 years, daughter of Henry J. and Margaret M. Brown, Opal was born in Queen City, Texas on May 14, 1928. Her family lived in Texarkana, Texas throughout her school years. She attended University of North Texas in Denton where she received her teaching certificate and met her future husband.

Ed and Opal were married on March 10, 1951. Ed served as a Baptist Minister of Music and High School choral director, and Opal periodically taught elementary school as they raised three children. After Ed received a doctorate in music from Florida State University in 1970, they relocated to Flagstaff, Arizona where Ed taught vocal music at Northern Arizona University.

Opal was active at church, singing in the choir and volunteering wherever needed. She was a world class cook and family events were always memorable occasions. Opal opened a wedding consulting business, cared for her aging mother-in-law and embraced her new role as a grandma. Her grandchildren adored her and always looked forward to visiting Grandma Opal.

In 1993 Ed retired and they moved to Gun Barrel City, Texas where they enjoyed their lovely home on Cedar Creek Lake. They attended First Baptist Church of Athens and later First Baptist Churches of Gun Barrel City and Mabank and appreciated their many wonderful friends and neighbors. During that time they added great-grandchildren to their family tree and took two trips to Europe. This summer they relocated to Good Samaritan Lake Forest Village in Denton, Texas where they received excellent care from a wonderful staff. Opal loved to watch the tiny birds in the aviary there, and she never missed a Dallas Cowboys game, sometimes holding her beloved "baby" Sophie (a dachshund mix) on her lap.

Opal loved the Lord and looked forward to going to her eternal home in heaven. She was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Brown. She is survived by her husband, Dr. Edgar Stone; her son Steven Stone; her son Philip (Janet) Stone; her daughter Cynthia (Barry) Harrington; her grandchildren Lisa Mayes, Cassandra Troup, Jeanette Riley and Rachel Smith; Angela, Chris, Kevin, Amy, Galya and Andre Harrington; and Matthew Stone; plus twelve great-grandchildren and one on the way. "Who can find a virtuous wife, for her value is far above rubies. Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many daughters have done well, but you excel them all.' (Proverbs 31)

A memorial service will be held on December 12th, 1pm, at the Good Samaritan Society Lake Forest Village chapel.