Opal G. Thornton

Opal G. Thornton, 83, of Benton, departed this life peacefully on February 16, 2023, at a local healthcare facility after a lengthy illness. 

She spent her life as a devoted pastor’s wife and loved singing praises to the Lord, was a member of Shady Springs Baptist Church, enjoyed spending time with her family whom she loved dearly, and will be missed deeply by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

Opal was preceded in death by her father, Elmer Wilson, Sr. and mother, Allene Wilson Cummings; two infant brothers, Billy Wilson, and David Wilson; and grandson, Kyle Conner.

Left to cherish the many memories include her beloved husband of 65 years, Arthur Thornton, Jr.; beloved daughters, Tammy (Henry) Epperson, and Lisa (Bo) Lewis; cherished grandchildren, Misti Earwood (Justian Jarrett), Justin (Sarah) Conner, and Katey (Serge) Foster; great-grandchildren, Raelyn Conner, William Foster, and Weslyn Foster; brother, Elmer (Mary) Wilson, Jr.; special friend, Barbara White.  Several brothers and sisters in law, nieces, nephews, and cousins also survive.

A Celebration of Life service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 18, 2023, in the chapel of Higgins Funeral Home with Pastor Eddie Trentham officiating.  Interment will follow at Old Ocoee Cemetery, Serge Foster, Justin Conner, Terry Daniels, Justain Jarrett, and Steve Ross serving as pallbearers.  Henry Epperson, and Bo Lewis will serve as Honorary pallbearers.

Family and friends will gather from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family would like to send a special thanks to the staff of Etowah Health Care Facility.

Expressions of sympathy may be shared with the family at www.HigginsFuneral.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Higgins Funeral Home of Benton.