Opal Evans

Opal Evans, 90, passed away peacefully on December 18, 2014, in Georgetown, Texas in the company of her daughter. If she could tell you the cause of her death she would say “too many birthdays” and she would smile. It was her time.

She was born in Lubbock, Texas on Dec. 8, 1924, to Charles Nessmith and Minnie Arvin Nessmith. Opal graduated from Lubbock HS. She met a returning WWII Air Force pilot, James W. Evans, when he resumed college at Texas Tech. They married on New Year’s Eve 1946. Opal “helped” him complete much of his college homework. The family always credited her with an honorary college degree. She loved this experience and believed that women needed to be educated and have job skills that matched men so that they could live independently if necessary. She was ahead of her time on these issues.

In 1952, a few years after their daughter was born, they moved to Hedley and Opal became partners in Johnson-Evans Dry Good Store. After selling this business she worked more than 20 years at the Security State Bank. At the same time she and James started their own business, Evans Fertilizer. After her husband’s death in 1993 she sold the business and officially retired.

She moved to the Sun City neighborhood of Georgetown, Texas in 2001 to be near her daughter and son-in-law. One of her biggest blessings was to be totally independent, living in her own home until the very end. Those that knew her well, knew she had this strong will and determination.

Opal loved creating beautiful things. She was an artist and a perfectionist. She was a skilled seamstress, enjoyed all kinds of creative crafts, crochet, painting, flower arranging, upholstery, interior design & decorating. She was also known for her cooking, canning and at the business, for her brownies. Over the years she participated in the small town’s activities, Lioness Club, Cotton Festival Committees, substitute teacher, etc. She was a member of the Church of Christ.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, three siblings, Estul and Omera Nessmith, Glenna Nessmith Ivy, her husband James, and son-in-law Tom Buckner.

She is survived by her only child, Jamie Buckner, of Georgetown, six nieces and one nephew and their families.

She will be interred next to her husband in Rowe Cemetery in Hedley. A private family service was held in Georgetown and no other services are planned. However, if you are indeed a friend of Opals, you will take a collected moment over a cup of coffee, with a sugary treat. You will recall a fond memory and say a blessed goodbye. The family suggests memorials be sent to the Rowe Cemetery Fund, Box 185, Hedley, TX 79237.