Opal Sanders Williams

Wren – Opal Sanders Williams, 97, passed away on Tuesday, November 29, 2016, at Sanctuary Hospice, Tupelo, MS. Born on May 29, 1919, in Chickasaw County, MS, she was a daughter of the late John R. and Pearl Clark Sanders.

Opal was a graduate of McCondy High School and attended Hinds Junior College. On March 31, 1946, she married the love of her life, Therrell Eugene Williams, Sr. Together they had two children. Opal worked as a utility operator for Futorian, retiring in 1986. Opal touched many lives as she served as the librarian at Wren for 12 years. A lady of strong Christian faith, she was dedicated to serving her Lord and serving others. Opal was a member of Grady’s Chapel United Methodist Church where she played the piano and served as the song leader. Her favorite hymn was “It Is No Secret.” A Proverbs 31 lady, she was passionate about caring for her husband during his lengthy illness. She dearly loved her family and loved spending time with and helping rear her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

A community leader, she was a member of Wren RCDC. Very selfless and determined, Opal would do anything for anyone. She loved to travel and enjoyed her ladies card group, sewing clothes for her family, growing large gardens and listening to gospel music, especially The Gaithers.

She is survived by her son, Therrell E. “Gene” Williams, Jr.(Kathy), Tupelo; daughter, Gerry Britt (Terry), Brandon; grandchildren, Kandace Williams Peppers (Johnny), Franklin, TN; Amy Williams Gousset (Mickey), Tupelo; Patrick Tyler Britt (Charlotte), Virginia Beach, VA; Caroline Britt Gilbert (Scott), Brandon; great-grandchildren, Rebecca, Samantha, Thomas, Lucas, and Matthew Peppers, Franklin, TN; Emma and Meg Gousset, Tupelo, MS; Marcus, Patrick and Alaina Britt, Virginia Beach, VA; Garrett and Anna Claire Gilbert, Brandon; sisters, Dot Nabors, Trebloc, and May Lancaster, Houston; several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of nearly 66 years, Therrell E. Williams, Sr.

Her funeral service will be held at 2 PM, Friday, December 2, 2016, at E. E. Pickle Funeral Home with Butch Cook and Rev. Tommy Monts officiating. Burial will follow in Wren Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Johnny Peppers, Grant Lancaster, Scott Gilbert, Parker Lee Lancaster, Brad Williams and Dustin Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be Mabry Allison, Jackie Bost and Jimmie Cowley.

Visitation will be from 6 – 8 PM, Thursday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, her family requests memorials be given to Grady’s Chapel UMC, c/o Lois Garner, #30038 Peacely Ferry Rd., Aberdeen, MS 39730, or to Sanctuary Hospice, PO Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803.

Memories and condolences may be shared with her family at EEPickleFuneralHome.com.