In Memory of

Opal

Willard

(Helton)

Obituary for Opal Willard (Helton)

Opal Willard, 92, of Salem, Va. ascended to the garden of Heaven on Monday, October 29, 2018. She was born on Saturday, July 31, 1926 to the late George and Grace Helton. While her family grieves her passing they are comforted by the thought that she is reunited with loved ones. During the last few months Opal was bound by limitations brought on by a stroke. She is now free to sing with the angels. Opal is preceded in death by her husband, Fount; daughter, Sue Stevens; son, David; sister, Lillian Lawrence; sister, Evelyn Mathias; son-in-law, Bill Fox; and grandson-in-law, Dan Yardley.
Opal will be remembered by those in Salem for her part in the family business, Willard’s Taxi. She was a devoted and generous caregiver. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren cherish memories of home cooked meals, stories of the past, singing songs, and her scratching their backs. Opal was a matriarch and held that position with honor.
Opal is survived by her daughter, Bonnie Fox; son, Denton Willard; five beloved grandchildren, Kelsey Yardley, Alison Richards and husband, Brad, Nick Fox and wife, Adria, Abby Hard and husband, Gavin, and Matt Willard; brother, Donnie Helton and wife, Carolyn; Opal was blessed with eleven great-grandchildren, Wynn, Sydney, and Hollis Yardley; Lucas, Ryan and Ethan Richards; Henry, and Elise Fox; and Mason Stavola, Lennon and Declan Hard.
A celebration of Opal’s life will be held on Friday, November 2, 2018 at 11 a.m. at First Christian Church in Salem with Reverend Dan Netting officiating. The service will be followed by a reception in the church’s fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to First Christian Church, 712 Front Ave, Salem, VA 24153.
The family will receive friends at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the service hour on Friday, November 2, 2018 at the church.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.johnmoakey.com.