Opal Lee Nelson

Opal Lee Nelson was born March 6, 1933 in Tahlequah, OK, the daughter of Elmer and Dellar (Bostian) Brown. She was raised in a household with five siblings in the countryside of Cherokee County. Opal met the love of her life, Earl Eugene Nelson, and the two were married on October 29, 1951 in Huntsville, AR. They shared over 66 years of love and memories and were blessed with four children, Gary, Connie, Carol and Lois. They spent many of summer days out camping by the river with the kids and loved to travel; frequently visiting Branson and Las Vegas. Opal would later complete her high school education and began a career as a dietician for Tahlequah City Hospital. She took pride in being a mother, staying home with the kids through much of their school years and caring for the household. She was a skilled seamstress, going on to work for Midwestern Sewing Factory. Once she officially retired, she took on the title of homemaker and was a true matriarch for her family. Everyone looked forwards to family gatherings for the holidays. Her door was always open and she was sure to have something cooking on the stove. There wasn’t much better than her home cooking, such as her meatloaf, chicken and dumplings, dressing and not to forget her homemade chocolate pies. Whenever she had the chance, she enjoyed spending time at the casino, playing bingo or simply running around town. She was caring and would do anything for her family. A Christian by faith, she was member of Southside Baptist Church for many years, later attended Northside Baptist Church with family until her health would no longer allow. On August 11, 2024, Opal was called to her eternal home, with family by her side. She was 91 years old and leaves a legacy that will never be forgotten.

She has gone on to join her husband, Earl Eugene Nelson, parents, Elmer and Dellar Brown, one son-in-law, Steve Jeffery, one daughter-in-law, Cathy Nelson along with her one brother and four sisters.

Her memory lives on through her son, Gary Nelson of Tahlequah, OK, three daughters, Connie Jeffery of Park Hill, OK, Carol Fisher and Lois Todd, both of Tahlequah, OK. Also left to remember her include her six grandchildren, Lisha, Michael, Misty, Stephanie, Ashley and Cody, twelve great-grandchildren as well as a many nieces, nephews, friends and loved ones.

Funeral services for Opal will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024 at 2:00pm at Reed-Culver Chapel with Chaplain Kevin Webster officiating. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Molly Field Cemetery.

Serving as pallbearers are Mike Jones, Seth Coon, Chase Jones, Michael Nelson, Chris Waits and Justin Jordan. Honorary pallbearers are Cody Todd, Larry Pritchett, Justin Petitt and Leon Petitt.

The family will be receiving guest on Wednesday, August 14, 2024 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm at Reed-Culver Funeral Home.