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Obituaries

Rebecca Opel

02/21/1949 - 09/12/2017

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Obituary For Rebecca Opel

Rebecca Smith “Becki” Opel passed away on September 12, 2017 at Wilson N. Jones Hospital in Sherman, Texas. She was born on February 21, 1949 to Dotny Abbot and Minor Caldwell Smith. She was a member of the Sherman Bearcat class of ’67. Rebecca obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in English from A&M commerce in 1974. She married L.Z. “Brownie” Opel on May 14th, 1988. Rebecca was an extraordinary and creative woman who loved to read, shop, and spend time with her family. She was a “glamaw” who was never seen without a fresh manicure. Over the years, she made many lifelong friends through her activities and career. She was a cheerleader and a class officer. She worked at the Sherman Foundry from 1982 until 1997, and worked an addition five years as Wilson N. Jones before retirement. Rebecca was proceeded in death by her mother, Dotny Abbot; father, Minor Caldwell Smith; stepfather, Jack Abbott; sisters, Eileen Wilcox and Caroline Dudley. She was survived by her husband, L.Z. Opel; daughter, Emily Atchley Woodard and husband, Orland; grandson, Michael and wife, Callie; granddaughters, Hannah Brown and Leah Butcher; siblings, Amy Levenson Parker and husband, Joe; Minor “Mike” Smith; Linda Whitley and husband, Tom; Terri Barnett and husband, Dan; nieces, Bunny Hymer and husband, David; Jordan Parker; nephews, Tony Hughes and wife, Tracey; Dakota Parker and wife, Raven; and special friends, Marilyn Brewster and Mike McDonald. A celebration of life service will be held at Dannel Funeral Home on Saturday, September 16th from 1-3 PM. In honor of Rebecca’s bright and colorful spirit, please wear bright colors in attendance. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to the Salvation Army in Rebecca’s name.

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Condolences

  • 09/18/2017

    KELLEY

    MAY THE THOUGHT OF KNOWING THAT FAMILY AND FRIENDS SHARE IN YOUR GRIEF BRING YOU A MEASURE OF COMFORT.PLEASE READ PROV 17:17 ~ KELLEY, Ohio

  • 09/16/2017

    Brownie, I just learned of Becki's passing. I am so sorry for your loss. I will keep you and the family in my prayers. Jo Ann McMorrow

  • 09/15/2017

    So sad to hear of Becki's passing. As one of her SHS '67 classmates, I thought so much of her. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Sherry Ballou Ziegner

  • 09/15/2017

    Hannah, We are thinking of you during this time of the loss of your grandmother. Love ya, James & Kay England

  • 09/15/2017

    Stephanie Carlile

    So sorry for the loss of your mom! Continued prayers for the family! ~ Stephanie Carlile, Gunter, Texas

  • 09/14/2017

    Roy & Paula Duff

    Dan and Terri, So sorry for the loss of your mom Terri. Our prayers are with you. ~ Roy & Paula Duff, Pottsboro, Texas

  • 09/14/2017

    Linda Dalton

    Going to miss this crazy girl! You are definitely one of a kind and I was proud to call you friend. Really, really going to miss sis you! ~ Linda Dalton, Whitesboro, Texas

  • 09/13/2017

    Mary Holloway Martin

    Becki was everyone's friend and a joy just to look at. She always had a smile and a sweetness about her that lifted you up just to pass her in the hall at school. She will be missed. God give you, the family, peace and the joy of bringing up good memories you share of the time you had with her. ~ Mary Holloway Martin, Sherman, Texas

  • 09/13/2017

    Marilyn Brewster

    My dear, sweet friend will forever live in my heart. We had many years together (but not enough) to talk, laugh, remember our classmates of '67, shop, and best of all we loved to visit fun places to eat and always have dessert. Becki would take out her list and off we'd go to a grocery store or pharmacy or Walmart and check them off as we found items on her list. Her grandchildren lit up her life and those eyes sparkled as she told of their latest honor or school play or band concert. Her sweet husband, LZ, was always spoken of with love and affection. They all made me feel like I was part of the family and included me at birthdays (she and I shared one) and Christmas dinners. I will forever love and miss this very special friend. Gone but never forgotten...never! ~ Marilyn Brewster, Sherman, Texas

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