Opal Hayes

Opal Merlene Brockinton Hayes, 83, of Greenbrier, Arkansas, died March 21st, 2015 in Conway Regional Medical Center with her family by her side. She was born November 2nd, 1931 in Jacksonville, Arkansas to the late James Dell and Ela Marie Adams Brown. There's nothing like a mother's love. Our mother was a wonderful person that showed love for everyone she came in contact with. She was caring and beautiful inside and out. She loved life, her family and her friends. She was known for ease in frequent conversation even with total strangers. Throughout her life she maintained a sweet and simple demeanor that won the trust and hearts of many. Merlene was a member of the Eastern Star and VFW Ladies Auxiliary. Merlene was the owner of Cecil's Meat Market and Grocery in Kellogg Valley for several years. She knew everyone's name that entered the business. For those who couldn't afford their groceries, she would allow them to sign a ticket and pay when they could. She was highly regarded and loved in the the community. After retirement you could find her spending time with her children and watching her favorite TV shows; the Razorbacks, The Bachelor, NASCAR, Rodeo, Dr. Pol and all the nature and animal channels. With a real zest for life, Merlene loved to dance. Even though her health didn't allow her to do so in her later years; she never missed Dancing with the Stars. She was quite the critic. Merlene was preceded in death by her husband, Paul (Dobb) Brockinton, husband, Cecil Hayes, her parents, grandson, Colby Brockinton, sister Melba Stone, and sons-in-law, Jerry Odom, Johnny Lowery and Jessie West. She is survived by her children, Phil Brockinton (Tammie) of Greenbrier, Trish Lowery Odom of Maumelle, Dianne Maness Brown (Glen) of Greenbrier, and Jimmy Brockinton (Rose) of Sherwood; grandchildren Robyn Lowery- Richardson, J.P. Brockinton, Jesaca Brockinton Duncan, Shawn Maness, Misty Maness Johnson, and Dustin Brockinton; 16 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and her sister, Barbara Pittman of Hot Springs and special friends Pat Brockinton, Ruth Casteel, Wanda Fincher, Lanelta Stone, and Ted Maness. Merlene will be especially missed by her faithful canine companion, Gracie. Our deepest appreciation and gratitude to Conway Regional Medical Center, ER, 2nd and 3rd floor staffs and a special thank you to Dr. Tyrone Lee and Dr. Brad Tilley and his staff for their compassion, love, and care. A celebration of Merlene's life will be held 2 p.m.Friday, March 27th at Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home with Bro. Freddie Mark Wilcox officiating. Interment will be in Sumner Cemetery, at Cabot, Arkansas. Pallbearers will be: J.P. Brockinton, Shawn Maness, Brett Brockinton, Kyle Duncan, Jerry Odom Jr., and Mason Bailey. Honorary Pallbearers are: Dustin Brockinton, Glen Brown, Ted Maness, Larry Counts, Don Pittman, and Keith Richardson. Visitation will be Thursday, March 26th from 6-8 p.m. in the chapel of Smith-North Little Rock Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to one of the following: Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation, 230 East Ohio Street, Ste. 304, Chicago, Ill. 60611 or Faulkner Co. SPCA, 4 Gail Lane, Conway, Ark. 72034. Please visit www.smithfamilycares.com to sign online register.