Opal Marie Emel, 91, of Memphis died February 25, 2017 at Scotland County Hospital in Memphis.
She was born March 3, 1925 in Scotland County, the daughter of Elmer Milton Wright and Addie Agnes (Roberts) Wright. Opal graduated from Bible Grove High School in 1942.
Opal married Elton Jay Emel in Memphis on October 10, 1945. He preceded her in death on November 24, 2007.
The couple owned a farm near Bible Grove. Opal was a member of the Bible Grove Christian Church and was very active in community affairs.
In addition to her work as a wife and mother, Opal was renowned as a professional cook. She served as head cook of Grim-Smith Hospital, Scotland County Care Center and the Scotland County Livestock Auction Company. Opal was also an avid gardener and a fine seamstress.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and six brothers and sisters.
She is survived by her five children: Joyce (Larry) Crim of LaHarpe, IL, Jolene Neighbors of Kirksville, Randy Emel of Bible Grove, Danny (Terri) Emel of Memphis, and Melanee (Jeff) Crist of Kirksville; brother, Andrew Wright of Bible Grove; grandchildren: Brandon (Monica) Crim of LaHarpe, Christina (Christian) Funk of Morristown, NJ, Byron (Kimberly) Neighbors of Columbia, Jessica (Jason) Hill of Cape Girardeau, Jason (Robyn) Emel of Bible Grove, Melissa Emel of Memphis, Evan (Andrea) Emel of O’Fallon, MO, Aaron (Ashley) Emel of Warrensburg, and Conner Crist of Kansas City, MO; great-grandchildren: Jadrien Burbano, Jared Crim, Victoria Crim, Kyler Burkhiser, Chelsea Burkhiser, Hunter Carter, Jacob Hill, Caitlin Hill, Aurora Neighbors, Finley Emel, Charley Emel, Isabella Emel and Eva Emel; many friends and other relatives.
3 comments
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Emel family. No matter the age, it’s always hard to lose a loved one, especially your mother. I will be praying for you during the days and weeks ahead.
To family. I never met your mother. only talked to her once on the phone.when I called to find out Jolene was doing when she broke her ankle. I think we could have talked for hours. I only knew Jolene (worked with her at Maritz) and Danny ( worked at Standard Register many years ago like 1976) My thought and prayers are with all of you.
So sorry to hear this news . I know her and mom were best of friends. She was like another mother to all of us kids in my family. I know its a great loss when we lose our mothers. But God will get you all thru this trying time. Just know I’m praying for you in the coming days and weeks. She will be miss terribly in the community.
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