Opal Smith

(From Clark Funeral Home)

On August 30, 1920, Wesley and Viola (Rayborn) Slaughter welcomed a beautiful baby girl into their family. They must have thought she was a jewel because they named her Ruby Opal. She was the last survivor of this family, having been preceded in death by her parents; six brothers, Norman, George, Albert, Ray, Wesley, Jr. and Troy and one sister, Marie Yetter. Opal entered into eternal rest on June 9, 2017 in Joplin, Missouri. 

 She worked in manufacturing for many years then went to school and became a hair dresser until her retirement at which time she returned to her farm assisting in all phases of farm life. In February, 1937, Opal was united in marriage to Harold L. Smith, and to this union two children were born, Viola Mae and Harold Eugene (now deceased). They later divorced and in 1962 she married another Smith, Lawrence (Red) Smith. They enjoyed their antique cars, parades, fishing and traveling. Lawrence passed away in 1993. Opal was a meticulous housekeeper, who enjoyed entertaining and large family dinners. She was a Baptist by faith and was a member of Oak Grove Baptist Church. 

Opal is survived by her daughter, Viola Mae Neece and husband, Wayne of Joplin, MO; five grandchildren, Rodney Neece (Lori) of Joplin, MO, Tina Smith (John Goodwin) of Republic, MO, Tracy Smith (Kandi), Tony Smith (Rachelle) and Travis Smith (Cindy), all of rural Seneca, MO; sixteen great grandchildren; sixteen great great grandchildren; one step son, John Smith (Katherine) of Tiff City, MO; two step grandchildren, Jeffrey Smith and Angela Ackerman; numerous nieces and nephews who fondly called her Aunt Opal; three sisters-in-law, Betty Sowder of West Plains, MO, Ruth Smith of Sarcoxie, MO and Grace Linthicum of Joplin, MO and many faithful friends. In addition to her parents, siblings, son and husband, Opal is preceded in death by her daughter-in-law, Shirley Smith; great granddaughter, Tara and step-son, Frank Smith. Services will be held Thursday, June 15, 2017 at 3:00 p.m. at Clark Funeral Home in Neosho with Rev. John Wilkins officiating. Interment will follow in the Oakwood Cemetery, southwest of Neosho and serving as pallbearers will be great grandsons, Todd Copeland, Tim Copeland, Trent Smith, Trey Smith, Nathan Smith, Grant Smith and Garrett Smith. 

 The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. prior to the service. Contributions in memory of Opal may be made to the Missouri Baptist Children’s Home, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 66, Neosho, MO 64850.

Services are under the direction of Clark Funeral Home, Neosho, MO.