Carrie Opal Wilkins, 1926-2020

Carrie Opal Wilkins, 93, of Dayton passed away at Memorial Hermann Hospital in Houston on Jan. 4. Opal was born on Oct. 20, 1926 in Mississippi to parents Thomas Payton Lee and Douie Burk Lee.

Opal was a feisty strong woman, a real firecracker. She loved to have fun. She enjoyed gambling, mostly slot machines. She was a woman who lived life to the fullest. Opal was a caregiver. She cherished her family. She valued family above all. Opal was a strong, determined and fiercely independent woman. She led by example. There was never a task too large or too small that she would not tackle. She didn’t have a problem expressing herself and often let people know exactly what she thought. This is one of many endearing qualities that people loved about her. Opal was the matriarch of her family and she will truly be missed. She’s left a legacy of love, strength and unity for her family to continue. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Ray Wilkins; son, Jake A Simmons; son, Gary Wayne Inman; daughter, Cheryl Runnels; son, Kenneth Inman; granddaughter, Brandy M. Torgerson; brother, Payton L. Lee; sister, Bertha Mitchell; and sister, Dorothy May Clements. She leaves behind to cherish her memory daughter Glenda Lee Overbay and husband Richard; sons Terry G. Wilkins, and Dennis R. Wilkins and wife Elaine. In addition, she leaves behind nine grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren,

Friends are invited to visit with the family on Saturday, Jan. 11, from 12 to 2 p.m. in the chapel at Allison Funeral Service, 1101 N. Travis Liberty, Texas 77575.

Memories and condolences can be shared with the family by visiting AllisonFuneralService.com.

“There is only one happiness in this life, to love and be loved.” — George Sand