of North Little Rock, AR
September 11, 1928 - June 25, 2020
Opal Graham Muscalino, 91, of North Little Rock, formally of Lexa, Arkansas, passed away June 25, 2020. She was born September 11, 1928.
Known affectionally as 'Gogo' most of the children in Lexa, Opal and her best friend and neighbor of over sixty-six years, Ruby Jean Turner, were the proud matriarchs of this tiny Eastern Arkansas Community. A model of Christian devotion, she showed everyone authentic hospitality in a spotless home with 'made from love' meals. Opal was a wife, mother, and was often a caregiver for her relatives and her husband's relatives. She wrapped each one with her tender touch and healing voice.
Opal was an active member of the Lexa United Methodist Church where she served in many capacities over the years. She was a Sunday School Teacher and Co-Treasurer. Friends could always count on her as a hostess for any bridal luncheon, shower, reception, funeral dinner, or church potluck. She also looked forward to monthly WOW meetings and potlucks at the Lexa Baptist Church and was thrilled to be a part of their yearly Spring Chicks Banquet.
For almost thirty years, her daughter Cathy and long time friend Jann Pharo took their mothers on a yearly Mother's Day trip. The mothers never knew where they were going or how long they were staying. Opal was thrilled to step out on a glacier in Alaska and also to see Ellis Island where her in-laws had first arrived in America. She enjoyed the Riverwalk of San Antonio and the delicious food of New Orleans! If you asked her, she would tell you there was something about each trip that made it 'her favorite'.
She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Walter and Velma Graham; older sister Gladys; brothers, J.W., Franklin, Gene and Charles; and her husband of thirty-three years, J.L. Muscalino, whose very last wish of Cathy and Joey were that they take care of their mother. What an honor it has been!
Opal is survived by her daughter, Cathy Muscalino Harris and son, Joey Muscalino (Cassy); brother, Jerry Graham (Cathy)and sister Lynda Graham. She also leaves two grandchildren, Courtney Davis (Mark) and Aaron Muscalino; six great- grandchildren, Holly Harris, Will Harris, Elizabeth Harris, Jake Davis, Andrew Dillard, and Jolee Dillard .
Opal also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and a host of other family and friends who all loved her very much!
Walk through visitation will be Monday, June 29th 2020 from 10:00am - 10:45am at Roller Citizens Funeral Home, 621 W Chestnut St. Marianna, AR 72360. Please observe social distancing and masks.
Graveside services will be held at 11:00 am at Marianna Memorial Park. Family and friends may view and sign online guestbook www.rollerfuneralhomes.com/Marianna
In lieu of flowers, donations be made in her honor to:
Arkansas Hospice
14 Parkstone Circle
NLR,AR 72116
or arkansashospice.org
or do an act of kindness for someone in memory of Opal.
Sign Guestbook
14 Condolence(s)
James Dee Elphingstone
Saturday, April 30, 2022
Miss Opal was an angel. A dear friend to my grandparents Donnie and Peggy. I remember visiting with Miss opal many years ago when I was just a little kid. Her beautiful little house in Lexa. My grandparents were also closed with mr. Buddy and Miss Bessie. When I was a child I remember being friends with Courtney and her little brother. I don't remember his name but I do remember Kathy, Kathy and Joey. I remember Miss Annie. I always thought we were just related because my grandmother loved Miss opal and mr. JL like family and so did I. I hope this message reaches her children and grandchildren. Maybe they remember me too. I hope they are all doing well. God bless.
J Elphingstone aka Dee.
DEBORAH Johnston Morris
Wednesday, July 1, 2020
Joey I am so sorry for your loss. Prayers and hugs.
Mark Foster and Lori Thompson
Monday, June 29, 2020
Our Dearest Cathy and Family, I am very saddened to hear that Mom Opal has passed. Life is very strange, that I moved into your building and become friends just to find out that your mom used to babysit my mom in the 1940's. Then, Over the past few years I had the honor to get to know and spend a little time with Gogo, she always had a smile for me and a positive attitude, maybe that's also why my mom does that. I love you guys, and am very sorry for your loss. Neighbor/kinda Cousin, Mark
Kenny Lee
Monday, June 29, 2020
On behalf of Lexa United Methodist Church, please accept our sincere condolences. Ms Opal has joined the church triumphant and gained her eternal reward.
Pastor Kenny Lee
Mike and Linda Wooten
Monday, June 29, 2020
Sorry to hear about Ms.Opal,she was a dear friend to our family.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Pam Treadaway
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Cathy and Joey, I join with a host of other people expressing sadness at the passing of Mrs. Opal. What a kind and loving spirit she always displayed. We must all take a lesson from her book on how to treat others. We were all blessed to know her. May God keep you at this time. Much love. Pam
Linda Baldwin
Sunday, June 28, 2020
Mrs. Muscalino was the mother of Cathy Muscalino Harris
Cathy was my roommate in college at the University of Central Arkansas. We were 18 when we first met.
I was lucky enough to be invited to visit Lexa, their hometown a number of times. Many delicious meals at their table!
Even got to go on a family vacation with them! I was always included with their family when they visited Cathy at college.
My friendship with Cathy has been one of the best of my life! I owe gratitude to Mrs.Muscalino for raising Cathy to be the loving, precious person that she is! Everyone should be so lucky to grow up under Opal Catherine Muscalino’s wing!
Your legacy of love and kindness lives on, Mrs. Muscalino!
Heaven will be lucky to have you!
Linda Epperson Baldwin
Sarah & Frances Graham
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Aunt Opal you will be missed, you were always so welcoming when we came to Arkansas to visit. You made the best Mississippi mud pie & lemon cake. I remember FaceTiming you when my dad was in the hospital you were still my sweet Aunt Opal. I love you. God gained a wonderful angel â¤ï¸ Tell my daddy I said hello in heaven. Cathy & Joey, we love you and you are in our thoughts.
David D. (Buzz) Crouch
Saturday, June 27, 2020
Precious memories and how thankful I am for all she meant to our family. May God bless you as you miss her.
Jeana Graham
Saturday, June 27, 2020
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Mary Gladys Pyron Lorenz
Friday, June 26, 2020
I have such fond memories of Sweet Opal. I Pray God will wrap his loving arms around all the family and give each of you peace and comfort.
B. Sue Graves
Friday, June 26, 2020
Cathy and Joey:
Will definitely miss your mom. So glad we were able to visit some last summer. As you know, she was such a special woman. Please take care of yourselves as you go through the future without her.
Shiela Hardin
Friday, June 26, 2020
I met Mrs. Opal a few years ago and saw her a few times. One special time was her 90th birthday. Such love and admiration was evident by those around her. Such a sweet sweet “ladyâ€.
Billy & Tonya Graham