Opal Henson Adkisson

After courageously living with the effects of a massive stroke for almost seven years, Opal Henson Adkisson, 90, of the Forty & Eight/Hickman community, passed from this life on Monday, April 27, 2015, at Great River Medical Center in Blytheville.

She was born to Elmer and Annie Ray Henson, one of the pioneering families of Mississippi County, and was a lifelong area resident. Opal was the oldest living member of Mary's Chapel Baptist Church at Huffman, serving as song leader and Sunday school teacher for many years. In recent years, she faithfully attended Trinity Baptist Church with her family. Prior to her illness, she was always very active and independent. Her many interests included fishing, watching old movies, tending her flowers and traveling. She had visited most of the states, Canada and Mexico, and always wanted to go someplace she had never been.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Maxine Adkisson and Mary Lanham; a brother, James Henson; and her father- and mother-in-law, R.L. "Luby" Adkisson and Imogene Adkisson.

Opal is survived by her husband of 72 years, Jack Adkisson of the home;

Her son and only child, Jimmy Adkisson of the home;

A brother, Lyman Henson of Blytheville and St. Charles, Missouri;

A brother-in law, Perry L. Adkisson and his wife Gloria of Bryan, Texas;

A special niece, Nancy Webster of Blytheville;

A very special caregiver, Stacy Cagle of Blytheville; and

Sseveral nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Cobb Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Mike Welch officiating. Entombment will follow at Dogwood Mausoleum. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the Funeral Home.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.cobbfuneralhome.com.