Opal C. Blackshear (86) returned to her Heavenly Father on the 12th of March 2024.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, W. Thomas “Tom” Blackshear, her parents Spencer Colson and Annie Myra Colson, her brother, John Colson, and her sister, Rachel Duran. She is survived by her son Mike Blackshear (Tracey), two grandsons, Dylan Blackshear (Ashton), Owen Blackshear (Madeline) and her sister, Kay Culpepper (Ed).

Opal was born in Lake City, FL on the 30th of September, 1937. She married Tom on September 29, 1957 and shortly after moved to Virginia where she raised her family with kindness and love in Smithfield, VA. Opal was a faithful member of the United Methodist Church, attending both Trinity United Methodist Church and Benn’s United Methodist Church. Opal was an avid reader enjoying mystery and historical novels and volunteered at the Smithfield library. She also enjoyed playing bridge with her friends.

Her family would like to thank the Hospice nurses: Tusia Henry, Ciera Jones, Stacy Torres, Daja Morgan, Josie Charles and Kristine Davis, who gently and kindly provided for her care and comfort. We also want to thank her daily companion Malaika Ngwa for her attentiveness and compassion, and her dear friend Susan Harner for her many enjoyable visits.

The family will receive friends at a visitation on Sunday March 24, 2024 from 2:30 to 4:00 p.m. at Little’s Funeral Home, Smithfield, VA. Opal will be interred at Bethel Cemetery, Mayo, Florida. Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com.