Jan Heath

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Our mother, Opal Janice Davis (Heath), passed away early in the morning of January 4, 2018 in her home in Noel, MO. She was a dedicated teacher for 58 years in art, English and special education. Later in her career, she taught English language learners. Her two daughters and her granddaughter followed her into the teaching profession. She taught in public schools in Tulsa OK, Jay OK, and Noel MO. Our mother enjoyed cross stitching and sewing clothes for her daughters and granddaughter, including six prom dresses. She was an excellent painter of furniture, walls, and rocks. Our mother was a Daughter of the American Revolution and sang in church choirs in every town in which she lived.

Our mother, Opal Janice Allen, was born in Joplin MO to Elwood and Opal Allen on March 15, 1932. She graduated from Carthage High School and married our father on December 24, 1952 in Carthage, directly after which our father shipped out for Korea. She received degrees in education and art from the University of Missouri and Tulsa University, as well as a Masters of Special Education from Northeastern University in Tahlequah OK. Our parents were married for 35 years before our father passed away from ALS in 1987 in Jay OK.

She is preceded in death by her parents, her brother, our father Gene A. Davis attorney at law, and one grandson.

She is survived by daughter Melissa Davis Stratton (Ron) of Bella Vista AR, son Gregory Allen Davis of Noel MO, and daughter Mary Davis Coulston (Philip) of Loveland CO, seven grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. Two of her great-grandchildren have expressed an interest in teaching.

A Celebration of her life will take place on Thursday, January 11, 2018 at 4:00 pm at the United Methodist Church in Noel, Missouri.