Opal Jones, 83, of Alderson, WV, passed away Thursday, November 13, 2014, at Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, WV, after a long illness.
Opal Jones was born September 17, 1931, in Rupert, WV.
Opal graduated from Bluefield State College in 2002 with a degree in child development, majoring in literacy. Opal was employed by Alderson Elementary School, where she had been teaching for 23 years. She was the Mother of the Church at Shiloh Baptist, a 4-H leader for 25 years, and historian for Bolling Alumni Association. She was a member of the 4-H All-Stars and was inducted into the 4-H Hall of Fame. She pioneered state programs that focused on recycling and energy conservation. Opal was historian and matriarch of the Nalley family reunion.
Opal was inducted into the WV All-Black High School Academic and Sports Hall of Fame in 2010 and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2012. She presented poster presentations and contributed to the publication of articles through West Virginia University’s historical research on the impact and significant contributions of graduates of segregated schools in West Virginia under the leadership of principal investigator Dr. Dana Brooks, dean of the College of Physical Activity and Sport Sciences.
Opal volunteered as program assistant for Carnegie Kids’ College for 23 years, enabling 18 grandchildren to attend, enjoy, and appreciate the arts.
A scholarship has been established in honor of Opal Jones by the students, teachers, and staff of Alderson Elementary School. This will help students from Greenbrier East High School attend college.
She was preceded in death by Loren Williamson, Lenora Williamson Nalley, Virginia Williamson Gates, Norman Williamson, and Lillian Williamson Brown; five children, Albert Jones Jr., James Jones, Vivian Jones, Vernon Jones, and Christopher Jones; and her loving husband of 55 years, the Rev. Albert Jones.
She is survived by eight children, Inez Jones Thomas, Floyd, Jeffrey, Kenneth, David, Kevin, and Michael Jones and Debbie Jones Bolling; 25 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is planned for Friday, November 21, 2014, at 4 PM at the Alderson Presbyterian Church on South Monroe Street in Alderson. Light refreshments will be served.
Viewing will follow from 6-8:30 PM at the church.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 22, at 10 AM at the Alderson Presbyterian Church. Burial will follow at the Williamson family cemetery in Rupert.
Online condolences may be sent online at www.wallaceandwallacefh.com.
Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Rainelle, WV, is in charge of arrangements.
Obituary originally punlished in the November 17, 2014 edition of the West Virginia Daily News.
