Opal Wilkes

Opal Wilkes, 96, passed away Friday December 25, 2010 at Northridge Nursing Facility in a North Little Rock nursing home. She was born October 15, 1914 in Sidney, AR to Louise and Theodore Smith. Opal was known for her tenacious and fearless pursuit of life. Working hard was second nature to her. She and her beloved husband Claude, owned Wilkes Grocery for over 20 years. Her extraordinary charm touched the hearts of everyone. Whether her energy was focused on family, church, work or community, she was someone that you could always depend on to do her part, and more. Her stylish manner, insatiable energy and bright blue eyes were a sight to behold. It was truly an inspiration just to watch her do her tasks. Also, she was an avid gardener and had a special talent for growing beautiful flowers. She was always willing to share these beauties and her homemade baked goods with others. Opal had many lifetime friends from her church and community involvement, both from her church family at Trinity Baptist Church and Baring Cross Baptist Church in North Little Rock, Ark. She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, Claude; and her brothers and sisters here. She is survived by her sister Earmene Patterson of North Little Rock; son Bob Wilkes and wife Becky of Fort Smith; her daughter Pat Williams and husband Claude of North Little Rock, Ark.; six grandchildren, Steve Williams and wife Annetta of North little Rock, Cindy Evans of Chattanooga, Tenn., Pam Hooper and her husband James of Little Rock, Mark Wilkes and his wife Erin of Cabot, Kelly Satterfield of Fort Smith and Wendy Hall and husband John of Fort Smith; 11 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. A special thanks to her caregivers at Northridge Nursing Facility. Graveside Funeral Service will be 12 noon, Tuesday, December 28, 2010 at Mt Carmeal Cemetery in Sidney, Ark. under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home. Memorials may be sent to the Susan G. Koman for Cure. Attn Donor Services, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, Texas 75265-0309. To place an online tribute please visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.