Opal Fooks Stegall

We celebrate the life of Opal Fooks Stegall, 79, of Haskell, beloved mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend, who completed her earthly service for Jesus Christ on July 21, 2016. Born Sept. 5, 1936 in Pocahontas, Ark., she was the sixth child of Samuel Austin and Savannah Mae Fooks. She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Stegall; two brothers, Lambert and Pinky Fooks; and sister, Thelma Parsons. Opal is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Drs. Scott and MeriBeth Stegall; daughter and son-in-law, Tanya and Kelly Kennedy; four grandchildren: Jason and Josh Holiman, Chloe and Camilla Stegall; seven great-grandchildren: Katelyn, Austin, Cody, Bailey, Khloe, Londyn, and Kaleb; and, three sisters: Mary Brown of Hot Springs, Hazel Hazell of Kansas City, Mo., and Betty Cory of Benton. Opal grew up in Haskell, attending Harmony Grove schools where she was a member of the girls' basketball team. She loved Harmony Grove and spent numerous hours later in life volunteering in the classroom, serving as PTA president, and attending basketball games where she cheered loudly for our players, and, not so cheerfully, reprimanded the refs. On Aug. 2, 1955, Opal married the love of her life, Bob Stegall. Together, they literally built a home as she helped to shingle the roof the day before the birth of their first child. She kept Bob on his toes by using the sledge hammer, while he was at work, to remove unnecessary walls when she decided it was time to remodel. Opal was a loving partner in a dance of nearly 60 years. Opal met life head on and had an energetic, joyful dedication to her family and friends. With a smile on her face and a spring in her step, Opal enthusiastically greeted family and friends wherever she met them. Ever a gracious hostess, those who visited her home were treated to delightful conversation and delicious food. Her apple stack cake was a labor of love and her decorated cakes graced many a celebratory table. The family genealogist, Opal traced family history and related family stories to the delight of her audience. The family photographer, Opal captured family events and the joy of everyday life, creating musical slideshows to commemorate birthdays, anniversaries, and the special people in her life. An avid eclectic reader, she discussed current events and favorite authors. Opal loved the arts. Whether playing drums or listening to others, she loved music. Whether ballet, belly dancing, or with babies, Opal took joy in dance. Her family will deeply miss her and her joie de vivre, but are thankful for the peace she now has with Jesus and being once again at Bob's side. A celebration of Opal's life, with her brother-in-law, Brother Jerry Walker, officiating, will begin at 2 p.m., Saturday, July 30, 2016 at Ashby Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be directed to the Alzheimer's Association (www.alz.org). Opal's online guestbook is located at www.ashbyfuneralhome.com.