Opal Imogene Montgomery

Opal Imogene Montgomery, 84, of Elaine, Ark., walked into the welcoming arms of her Savior on Saturday, October 17, 2015. She was born in Bunny, Craighead County, Arkansas on June 17, 1931, to the late James R. Brown of Evansville, Indiana, and the late Sarah Ethel Gabbert Brown of Joplin, Missouri. She was a retired farmer and a devout Christian. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Claude Brown and James Wesley Brown and Benjamin Brown; and her sisters, Mary Brown, Emma Busby and Bessie McGinnis; and her granddaughter, Kimberly Bridges-Chudy (Dennis). She is survived by her son, James Michael Montgomery (Karen) of Elaine, Ark.; and her daughters, Sandra Bridges (Rick Cooper) of Mayflower, Ark., Shirley Nedry (Bill) of Pipe Creek, Texas, Mary Jane Montgomery of Savannah, Ga.; and grandchildren: James Robert Bridges (Crystal) of Frisco, Texas, Brandy Allison Bridges-McLaughlin (Mike) of Portola, Calif., Mickey Gawlik of Pipe Creek, Texas; and Colburn Clark of Savannah, GA; and great grandchildren: Ryan Baber, Caroline Coplin-Chudy, Tabitha Bridges, Dylan Bridges, Dakota Bridges, Jake McLaughlin, Kierra McLaughlin, and Maisie McLaughlin; sisters, Juanita Bynum of Memphis, Tenn. and Ruby Licata of Warrenville, Ill., and Barbara Green (Duane) of Montgomery, Ill.; 14 nephews, six nieces,15 great nephews, 19 great-nieces, 20 great-great-nephews, 16 great-great-nieces; and her loving and devoted caregiver, Regina Wood, welcomed into our family and whom she loved and considered a granddaughter, as well. She was the very definition of perfect, unconditional love. Her strength, dignity and wisdom were invaluable gifts to all who knew her heart. Everyone who knew her was blessed. She had an extraordinary love for her family. Her life's work was caring for others…always putting other's needs before her own. Her amazing strength and unconditional love could cure self-doubt, bruised knees and broken hearts. She always saw the best in everyone, showing those in pain that someone cared deeply for them. She motivated others to believe in themselves, have faith and trust in God, the power of prayer and love, to live their dreams, be happy, and never forget to have fun. Strong, wise, humorous, gentle, and charmed by the adventure and wonders in life…she carried the torch and was the light of our lives. Her Celebration of Life will be at Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, 508 East Plaza, West Helena, Ark., on Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. to noon, with funeral services following at 12 noon, and interment at Sunset Cemetery immediately following. Services will be directed by Roller-Citizens Funeral Home, West Helena, (870) 572-2571. Relatives and friends may sign an online guest book at www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/westhelena.