Opal Priest Dunaway

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Service Schedule
Graveside
Oak Grove Cemetery
Bruce Street
Conway, AR  72032
Friday, July 10, 2015
11am
Cemetery
Oak Grove Cemetery
329 Bruce St.
Conway, AR  72032
Opal Priest Dunaway

of Cleveland, AR

November 22, 1919 - July 5, 2015

Opal Priest Dunaway, 95, of Conway, Arkansas passed from this life peacefully on July 5, 2015 with her daughter near. She was born on November 22, 1919 to the late William Solomon and Margaret Ida (Barger) Priest in Searcy, Arkansas. She graduated from Central Baptist College where she studied Music and Voice, was a homemaker for the majority of her life but while her husband was serving in the military during WWII, Opal took care of the his insurance business as a young bride. She was a fantastic cook and entertained lifelong friends in bridge clubs and even on Christmas mornings. She had a passion for art and home design and drew house plans for hers and many friend's homes. Opal traveled abroad with her niece, Barbara and with family, made theater trips to New York and also traveled with her lifelong friends from college. She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Conway for over 75 years where she sang in the choir. Many remember her role as The Mother Abbess in a local production of The Sound of Music, and in life, she was a "mother superior". She was truly a mother to many others, too, in word and deed. A friend described her once, saying, "That is a real classy lady". All who knew her loved her quick wit and funny expressions, and her "Gammy words" as her grandchildren called them; if she couldn't think of a good descriptive word, she made one up, usually just altering the word for the fun of it.
Opal was also preceded in death by her husband, Walter Harrison Dunaway who served as a past Mayor in Conway, and her four siblings; Nina Priest Dunlap, Reesie Priest Thompson, Jewel Priest Hatfield, and Bill Priest. She is survived by one daughter, Kelly Holt (Gordon); grandchildren, Sarah Kate, Caroline, and Harrison; one great-grandchild, Benjamin Bright, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family members.
A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2015 at 11:00 am at Oak Grove Cemetery in Conway with Joe Ward Officiating. A reception will follow.
Memorials may be made to Young Life Central Arkansas.
Online guest book, www.rollerfuneralhomes.com

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10 Condolence(s)
Randy O. & Sherril A. Bowling
Greenbrier, AR
Liked
Saturday, August 8, 2015

Dearest Kelly & family:

I never knew your Mom; but, judging from the way her daughter was in school & later, she must have been a wonderful lady, for her daughter certainly was & is....as it says the apple doesn't fall far from the tree.

Randy O. & Sherril A. Bowling
Greenbrier, AR 72058

R.O.B./

Kathy Searcy
Little Rock, AR
Liked
Friday, July 10, 2015

Dear Kelly and family,
Your lovely mother was one of a kind and gift to us all. I fondly remember a wonderful Christmas dinner as Paul and I joined her while our girls were away. The good food and laughter brought healing. I'll never look at a flock of birds or a herd of cows the same again as I think of her growing vocabulary list for group identification. She was talented and beautiful, inside and out, and a blessing to us all. I am thankful for the years we had to enjoy the gift of Opal.
Hugs and love to you all,
Kathy

Richard Robinson
Martin,
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2015

So sorry to hear of your Mother's death, Kelly. She was a true class act. Prayers for you during this time of loss.

Tom Donovan
Fayetteville,
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Kelly and family,
I am sorry for your loss. I had not seen Ms. Opal for many years, but she was indeed a "classy lady."

Beverly Montgomery Dunaway
Little Rock,
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Kelly, Opal was so lovely and blessed to have had such a loving and supportive family. I'm so happy she was able to know her great grandchild. Sending lots of love to all of you. I'm sorry I will not be able to attend services on Friday, but my thoughts will be with all of you. Much, much love...

Rebecca Nix
Charleston, MO
Liked
Wednesday, July 8, 2015

Dear Kelly,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I have always been proud to call Opal my Godmother. She was very dear to me and my family. She will be missed.

Rebecca S Nix

Len and Sherry Lowman
Little Rock,
Liked
Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Kelly and family- Len and I are so sorry for your loss. We never had the privilege of meeting your mom but she really sounds like a wonderful woman. I know you will miss her greatly. We love you guys and are praying for you in the coming weeks.

Nancy white Reves
Conway,
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Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Kelly I remember the wonderful times with your Mom and Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Teresa Cardin Ellis
Abilene,
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2015

Kelly,

I have such fond memories of your mom all those years that I lived around the corner on Simms. She was always so kind and also had a great sense of humor. I know it is hard to lose a Mom and I suspect there is never a good time. Grace and peace to you this day and in the days ahead.

Teresa Cardin Ellis

Lulu Thompson
Conway, AR
Liked
Sunday, July 5, 2015

Your mom was such a sweet lady, I am sorry for your loss.