Opal Holaway

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Opal Holaway, who left this world on January 25, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on January 8, 1943, in Jasper, TX, Opal spent her life spreading joy and warmth in the lives of everyone she met.

Opal was a long-time resident of DeRidder, LA, where she worked as a purchasing clerk for the City of DeRidder from September 24, 1974, until March 20, 2007. She served under several different mayors, including Frank Delia, Creighton Pugh, Gerald Johnson and Ron Roberts. A devoted member of Mercy Chapel in DeRidder, she lived her life with kindness and a genuine love for people. Opal was also a member of Eastern Star.

She enjoyed playing cards, dominos, and washers with her lady friends, always the life of the party. One of her favorite activities was shopping with her partner in crime, Penny Simmons, creating unforgettable memories and laughter along the way.

Opal is survived by her loving daughter, Amanda Lynn Smith of DeRidder LA; grand cat, Pumpkin and a host of other family and loving friends, who will carry on her legacy of laughter and love.

Opal was preceded in death by her husband, Kenneth "Bud" Holaway; daughter, Sheila Smith Foley; her parents and several siblings.

A funeral service to celebrate Opal's life will be held at Myers Colonial Funeral Home on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with a public viewing taking place the day before on Friday, January 31, 2025, starting at 5:00 PM. Brother John Tellifero and Brother Chris Duhon will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Clay Alston, Rex Wascom, Thomas Curtis, Kelly Jones, Brandon Honea, Roy Johnson. Burial will follow at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA.

Join us as we honor and remember Opal, a remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many. She will be greatly missed but will forever remain in our hearts.