Opal Jean Thompson

Opal Jean Walker, Arnold, Thompson born on Saturday, January 16, 1932 in Texas, passed into eternity on Wednesday, March 24, 2021 in Burbank, CA. She was the youngest daughter of Frances Elizabeth Badgett and Normie Abner Walker. As a believer in Jesus Christ, she truly ‘crossed over from death into life’ (John 5:24) as she breathed her last breath this side of heaven and was gathered to her Savior and to her people. She was pre-deceased by her parents, 6 sisters (Golden Selima Ramsey, Vertise Ovell Reed, Jenetah Whitmore Walker, Gladys Walker, Ira Geraldine [Tommye] Standke, Wanda Maxine Albers and 5 brothers (Nobel Dalmer Walker, Albert Ardell Walker, Normie Abner Walker Jr., Marvin Glen Walker and Doyle Dee Walker); also pre-deceased by her son, Bill Arnold Jr. and her son-in-law, James Cooper.

Our Mom had 6 children and was a homemaker and seamstress. She was divorced by the father of her children and re-married in 1968 before moving from Lubbock, TX to live in the San Fernando Valley, in Southern CA. Widowed in 1970, she established her life in Burbank where she flourished with family, faith, and friends. She actively worshipped and faithfully served at FSBCNH over 50 years. For many years she arranged beautiful, fresh flowers to grace the sanctuary for Sunday services. It was her joy to share her gifts and talents to serve God and others.

Throughout her life she most brightly shined when she engaged her God-given creativity. One look, one sketch of an outfit or décor would come to life beautifully through her skilled hands and heart of love. She sewed anything from aprons, men’s suits, matching dresses for her daughters, shirts for her sons, bridal gowns (hand beaded), draperies, costumes, and many quilts. She always had a craft in the process of being finished to give away. One of her happy accomplishments was becoming a manager of a 3-Day Blinds store in Woodland Hills where she earned numerous recognitions for excellent service.

Mom was a consummate giver. If you expressed a love for something in her presence, she would make it and be certain you received it. She gave with joy, never expecting anything in return, putting into action the words of Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ (Acts 20:35)

She gladly and often spoke to others about her love for Jesus and consistently invited people to join her at church, even very recently. (Romans 1:16-17)

Mom was prepared to go to her heavenly, eternal home where many loved ones awaited her arrival. She is survived by 5 children: Margie Cope (Steve); Dolores Cooper; Shelia Villata (Rick); Janet Wright (Glen) and Doug Arnold (Carol); 17 grandchildren; 26 great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild as well as many nieces and nephews. She was deeply loved will be dearly missed until we join her in heaven.

Our heartfelt gratitude is given to Burbank Healthcare Rehabilitation Center, their administrative staff, nurses, and CNA’s; to her physician Dr. Richard Kroop, and to Providence Saint Joseph Medical Center‘s nurses and physicians for all the tender, loving, professional care given to our Mom over the last years and weeks of her life.

Cremation and inurnment are entrusted to Pierce Brothers Valhalla Mortuary and Memorial Park, 10621 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood, CA.

Family will gather for a private memorial at a later date.