Laura Opal was born into a renowned pioneer family June 4, 1911 to Laura Viola Pierce and John Fawcett Wilkins near Smithville, TX. Opal was preceded in death by her children Herman Anson Jr. and Paul Stanley and her husband of 64 years, Herman Anson "Dusty" Rhodes. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and numerous loved friends. Opal's life took many avenues. Her early childhood was spent in Smithville, Texas and San Antonio, Texas. She came to live in Houston, Texas at the age of 18. Opal earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Houston. She also received an Honorary degree from Louisiana Tech University. She served as worthy matron of Ransford Chapter No. 135. Houston's. She was a member of First Baptist Church since 1930 and was active in service for many of those years. Being of a benevolent nature Opal quietly gave aid and nurtured many throughout her life. Opal treaded the various paths of life tasting it's joys and sorrows over a long life and now she joins her family and loved ones.