Opal Priest Dunaway

Opal Priest Dunaway, 95, of Conway, Arkansas passed from this life peacefully on July 5, 2015 with her daughter near. She was born on November 22, 1919 to the late William Solomon and Margaret Ida (Barger) Priest in Searcy, Arkansas. She graduated from Central Baptist College where she studied Music and Voice, was a homemaker for the majority of her life but while her husband was serving in the military during WWII, Opal took care of the his insurance business as a young bride. She was a fantastic cook and entertained lifelong friends in bridge clubs and even on Christmas mornings. She had a passion for art and home design and drew house plans for hers and many friend's homes. Opal traveled abroad with her niece, Barbara and with family, made theater trips to New York and also traveled with her lifelong friends from college. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Conway for over 75 years where she sang in the choir. Many remember her role as The Mother Abbess in a local production of The Sound of Music, and in life, she was a "mother superior". She was truly a mother to many others, too, in word and deed. A friend described her once, saying, "That is a real classy lady". All who knew her loved her quick wit and funny expressions, and her "Gammy words" as her grandchildren called them; if she couldn't think of a good descriptive word, she made one up, usually just altering the word for the fun of it. Opal was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter Harrison Dunaway who served as a past Mayor in Conway, and her four siblings; Nina Priest Dunlap, Reesie Priest Thompson, Jewel Priest Robinson, and Bill Priest. She is survived by one daughter, Kelly Holt (Gordon); grandchildren, Sarah Kate, Caroline, and Harrison; one great-grandchild, Benjamin Bright, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members. A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 11 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway with Joe Ward Officiating. A reception will follow. Memorials may be made to Young Life Central Arkansas. Online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com.