Opal Lee Kimbrell

Opal Lee Kimbrell, age 88 of the Y community, went to be with the Lord October 21, 2024 at her home. She was born June 13, 1936 in Rison, AR to the late Tommie and Ollie Shelton Reed. 

She was preceded in death by her husband, Connie Kimbrell, brothers, Jay, John and Wesly Reed and one sister, Eathel Meeks.

Opal is survived by her daughter, Shalon Northern, grandson, Austin Crow, and sister, Anna Whittington, and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

Opal and Connie were married on June 5, 1955 and spent almost every day of their lives together for 61 years, until his passing in 2016. She was a graduate of Rison High School where she was a cheerleader and a top basketball player. She retired after 30 years from Illinois Tool Works in Pine Bluff, AR. She has been a member of Bethel #1 Missionary Baptist Church for 80 years and has attended for her entire 88 years of her life. She loved and enjoyed her church family. 

She cherished the time spent with her family. She always found a way to attend her daughter’s basketball, track, and softball career through high school and college, and even rode on the bus to some of her collegiate games.

She also loved spending time with her grandson Austin, they enjoyed many fishing trips on the river and picnics at the swimming hole. She also enjoyed following him to his Special Olympic basketball games and track meets.

In a time in which it is rare to see a lot of parental support, you realize the sacrifice that she made to support her family. She also cherished the time spent with her best friend, Mary Wilson. They loved going shopping and out to eat every year for their birthdays.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Bethel #1 Building Fund. P.O. Box 370 Rison, AR. 71665.

Arrangements by Buie & Cole Funeral Home of Rison 870-325-6216.