Opal Richardson

(From Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary)

Opal Louise Richardson passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026, at the age of 80, in her lake home, where the windows opened to the view she never grew tired of. It was the place where she drank her morning coffee, watched the seasons change across the water, and found peace after life’s hardest chapters. It was there, with her daughter, Shellie, and her son, Sean, holding her hands, and her beloved pets, Ozzie and Izzy, by her side, that she quietly slipped away. There could have been no more fitting goodbye for a woman who spent a lifetime building a life she truly loved.

Raised in Joplin, Missouri, Opal was never afraid to follow her own path. At just eighteen years old, she boarded a train to California, embracing adventure and independence with the same confidence that would define the rest of her life. She built a successful career with Brown & Williamson Tobacco, where her confidence, determination, and unmistakable personality earned the respect of everyone who knew her. She was a natural leader who wasn’t afraid to speak her mind, stand up for others, and lead by example.

She and Gerald Richardson built a life rooted in unwavering love, laughter, and devotion. Gerald adored Opal, and together they gave their children and grandchildren something priceless: an example of what it looks like to love someone wholeheartedly. He spent a lifetime taking care of her, and she lovingly cared for him through his final days. Together they built more than a home; they built the kind of life their children and grandchildren would spend the rest of their lives trying to recreate. Family always came first. Holidays became treasured traditions, and everyone who walked through their door knew they belonged. Years later, the lake that had once been her favorite getaway became the place she proudly called home. Retiring there fulfilled a lifelong dream and became the backdrop for some of her family’s most treasured memories.

Opal wasn’t remembered because of what she had; she was remembered because of who she was. She was the friend who answered the phone, the neighbor who checked in, the mentor who wasn’t afraid to tell you what you needed to hear, and the grandmother who somehow made every visit feel like home. She loved deeply, gave quietly, and led by example. She left every place, every person, and every animal better than she found them.

Opal had her own way of doing things. She believed in making her own luck. Long before she ever filled out a lottery ticket, she’d sit at the table writing numbers on little beans, drop them into a jar and faithfully play whatever numbers came out. Then she’d head to the casino, play a little bingo, or buy a scratch off ticket, and more often than not, she’d win! Whether you believed it was luck or simply the way Opal approached life, one thing was certain; she never waited for good things to find her. She believed you had to show up, believe in yourself, and take your chance.

To her family, the lake was never just a place. It began with the drive. The hilly roads that made your stomach flip, the winding curves, and knowing to keep going until the road simply ended, because that’s where you’d find Meme. The dogs always beat her to the door. Every morning started with biscuits and gravy, coffee brewing, and a view of the lake that never needed curtains. The days were spent fishing, riding the paddleboat, exploring on the side by side, watching the birds, gathering around bonfires, or simply following wherever the next adventure led. Somehow, phones stayed forgotten because there was simply too much life happening around you. Looking back, they realize the lake was only the setting. Meme was always the reason it felt like home.

Opal was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gerald Lee Richardson; her parents, Doler Gene, Sr. and Dalpha (Kayser) Allen; and her siblings, Dolar G. Allen Jr., Dolarene Davis, Barbara Coney, Daphnea McClure, and Nancy Steward.

She is survived by her daughter, Shellie Pritchett and husband, Tim; her son, Sean Richardson; eight grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; a bonus daughter, Louann Brown and husband, Danny; plus many extended family members and dear friends who will forever cherish her memory.

In keeping with Opal’s wishes, memorial donations may be made to a no kill animal shelter in lieu of flowers.

Entombment will take place on Friday, July 10, 2026 at 2:30 pm at Ozark Memorial Park Cemetery in Joplin. Family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. at the Thornhill-Dillon Chapel.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Thornhill-Dillon Mortuary, Joplin, Missouri.