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Services to remember and celebrate the life of Opal E. Bowlin will be 2:00 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2024, at the Vinita Church of Christ. Visitation will be at the funeral home on Friday from 3-7 with family there to receive visitors from 5-7. Opal passed away at her home surrounded by her family on Monday, July 29, 2024. She was 77.
Opal was born at home in rural Chelsea, OK on November 9, 1946, to Paul Wooten and Wanda (Berry) Riley. She was raised and educated in the White Oak area and attended White Oak Public Schools. On September 4, 1964, in Vinita, OK, Opal married the love of her life Charles Bowlin. Their marriage lasted for over 59 years before his passing in January of this year. Their marriage was gifted with two children, Myrna and Damon. Opal contributed to the family finances primarily by working in manufacturing for various companies including Centrilift/Baker Hughes and the DANA Corporation.
Although she had a career of her own, Opal’s heart was always in her home with her husband and children. She excelled at being not only a wife but a mother as well. As her children were growing up, she was actively involved in all their activities; basketball, sporting events, and 4-H. Opal liked to sew and over the years she became an accomplished seamstress. She spent many hours making Myrna’s clothes along with matching Barbie doll outfits and mending her family’s clothes expertly. She was truly a perfectionist. Her family said she was an excellent cook and every time Myrna got to come home for a visit you could bet Opal had the brisket cooked to perfection and sliced ready for sandwiches. Damon said she made the best round steak with mashed potatoes, gravy, and green beans. It was the favorite of all the Bowlin men and boys who she frequently fed. Then there was her pound cake for dessert, and it was the best around.
A lady that managed her household in a strict and orderly fashion, Opal was determined; and if she set her mind to it, it was going to happen. An example of this was when she decided to paint the outside of the family home. Much to the concern of her husband and children, Opal accomplished the task. Opal was all about family and she looked forward to the times everyone could be together. Some would say her smile was the brightest then. She lived her whole life thinking of others and putting their needs before her own. Opal was the go-to Nanny and could always be counted on to help with the grandkids. She was the family member who could be counted on to visit and help care for other family members who needed help. She spent much of her time making sure the needs of other family (including, amongst others, her mother and father, Aunt Ethel, Uncle June and Aunt Phyllis) were met.
No story about Opal would be complete unless you mentioned her love of shopping for EVERYTHING ! She was a very particular woman who never came out of her bedroom until she was completely dressed with hair and makeup expertly done. Then there were the fabulous fingernails that were her trademark. Opal loved the color yellow, and sunflowers were her favorite, which were displayed in many ways throughout the house. Her choice of flower was perfect for her, as many would say she exuded the same kind of light and beauty as the sunflower.
A lady that has left a huge legacy and footprint that will live on in the lives of her family and friends. Opal is survived by her children, Myrna Bowlin and Damon Bowlin, grandchildren, Dylan, Dayton, and Denton Bowlin, great grandchildren, Kymbria, Kellani and Kyree St. John-Bowlin, and Aaron Bowlin, brother, James Wooten and wife Christine, and sister, Helen Rogers. Opal was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Charles and sisters, Louise Alberty and Martha Nash.
The Bowlin family would like to invite everyone to a reception
immediately following the service at the People's Community Center
Fosters Estate in Bowlin Springs428099 E. 270 Road
Chelsea, OK 74016
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