She graduated from Monticello High School in 1957 and attended Arkansas A&M College (currently UAM) studying pre-med. She was a loving mother to her three sons and a strong supporter and employee of her husband in the boat manufacturing business at Dura Craft and War Eagle Boats. She had many close friends and enjoyed to travel.
Opal was longtime member of First Baptist Church joining in 1968, a former president and life member of Junior Auxiliary of Monticello, member of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) and was a member of the Red Hat Ladies. She enjoyed researching family history and genealogy, watching the Razorbacks play, playing bridge for many years with her large group of friends and supporting anything Tucker and Amelia were ever involved. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her brother, Wesley Tucker.
She is survived by her husband of 65 years, Kim Ward; three sons, John Ward and wife Virginia of Monticello, Roger Ward of Drasco, AR, Mike Ward and wife Amy of Monticello; grandson, Tucker Ward and wife Sidney; granddaughter, Amelia Ward all of Monticello; along with many other nieces and nephews. The family would like to issue a special "thank you" to her caregivers, Sarah, Anna, Connie, Kim, Viviana and Sara, for the excellent care they gave Mrs. Opal.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, 2024, at Stephenson-Dearman Funeral Chapel with Rev. Kelly Jones officiating. There will be a visitation 1:00-2:00 p.m. preceding the funeral service at the funeral home. There will be no graveside service.
You may sign Mrs. Opal's guestbook registry here on her page
Condolences(14)
BILLIE C MCGOUGH
Mclean, VA Sunday, June 23, 2024Kim, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. I remember Opal as a very lovely person.
She will be missed.
Bill McGough
Kathryn Walsh
Carthage, MO Thursday, June 20, 2024 My condolences to the family of Mrs. Opal. She was very sweet and loving and was a great help to me within the scope of one of her many passions, genealogy. My thoughts are with you Mr. Kim, Roger, John, and Mike and family. I want you to know that the true impact your whole family had on me growing up will never be forgotten!Carole (Johns) Rushing
Woodlawn (Rison) 71665, AR Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Kim and family, I was so sorry to hear of Opal's passing. Opal was always such a sweetperson. I had the good fortune of seeing her several times in passed years and we would
'catch up'. I will have the family in my prayers during this difficult time . May the Lord
give you comfort and strength as only He can as you travel this new journey of your
life.
John & Patty Chandler
Chesapeake, VA Wednesday, June 19, 2024 Mike & Amy,Patty and I are very sorry for your loss. We look forward when we can see you again in person. John & Patty
Kay Worbington
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 To the family of Mrs. Opal Ward -- She was a Monticello icon. I remember admiring her as I was a teenager growing up in Monticello and she was a young mom. She was always so pretty and friendly. You have my condolences at this sad time. You all are in my prayers at your great loss.Betty Ann Beckham
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Opal shall be truly missed. She was such a kind and thoughtful person. I considered her a dear friend. I have fond memories of sitting with her as I fixed her computer where she kept her family genealogy, family pictures etc. We would talk about the history of southeast Arkansas and what new tidbit of family history she had found. May God bless her in her new home and console her family.Laci Harris
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Ward Family,I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs Ward was such a sweet soul. Sending many prayers to you all during this difficult time.
Laci, Crayton, Parker & Rhett Harris
Jody & Billy Gladden
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Opal is a precious woman whom I loved! She was always so kind and considerate! JodyPeter & Suzi Peerbolte
Little Rock, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Fond memories of meals and time spent on the lake with the Wards when we lived in Lake Village. Opal cherished her family and friends! Sending our love to Kim, the boys and the entire family. Peter and Suzi PeerboltePat Matthews
Maumelle, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 K[m, I am so sorry for your loss, Opal had such a pleasing personality,Pat Matthews (Tommy"s wife)
Ed Garrison
Greenbrier, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 Mr. Ward, John, Roger, and Michael, I was so saddened to learn of your wife and mothers passing. Please know that I will be lifting you up in prayer for comfort and peace. In Christ, Ed & Caroline GarrisonMike Albritton
Monticello, AR Tuesday, June 18, 2024 I'm so sorry for your loss. I pray for God to give you comfort and peace.Michael Lipton
Hot Springs, AR Monday, June 17, 2024 Mrs Ward was a wonderful lady and always loved her family and friends. She always made you feel loved and welcomed in her home. She was a great mother and role model for her family and was loved by all.Kent Davis
Maumelle, AR Monday, June 17, 2024 Mrs Ward was always a very nice Lady, I’m sorry Prayers