Opal Mae Whitehead, age 82, of Inverness, passed away August 16, 2018 at her daughter’s home in Spring Hill, under the loving care of her family and HPH Hospice. Opal was born on July 26, 1936 in St. Petersburg, FL, to the late Golden Esten and Mildred (McKenna) Whitehead.
Opal came back to Florida in 1962 after relocating from Savannah, GA. All her life, she was an extremely hard worker, always providing for her family. Opal worked various jobs over the years, including being a “car-hop” at Shoney’s drive-in, in Savannah. After she moved to Citrus County she worked at the Goodings Grocery store in Inverness and the Little General store in Beverly Hills. She loved spending time with her family and always put them first. Not only did she raise her own children, Opal also raised her 8 brothers and sisters and always lent a helping hand with her grandchildren.
Left to cherish Opal’s memory are children: Daniel Arnold of Inverness and Debra Ell and her husband John, Jr of Spring Hill; brothers: Kenneth Whitehead of Jacksonville, NC and Fred Whitehead of Bushnell; her sister, Isabelle Whitehead of Homosassa; 7 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. Opal was preceded in death by her husband, John West, in 2014; daughter Dorothea Malone in 2001; brothers: Fred and Frank Whitehead and sisters: Sarah Pfister and Mary Wesley.
Opal had a great faith in her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Proverbs 31:27& 28: (Amplified Bible) “She looks well to how things go in her household, and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children rise up and call her blessed, her husband also, and he praises her.” A service to honor Opal will be held at Family First Assembly, 12435 Spring Hill Drive, Spring Hill, Florida 34609, on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at 3pm. Thank you to all who have prayed for us during this time.
In lieu of flowers, in Opal’s memory, we ask you to give to Jenesis Sierra, her grand daughter, to finish her mission’s work in Africa. Opal always said, “flowers die”, so we know she would love something that is lasting. Giving information:
Https://impactafrica.z2systems.com/np/clients/impactafrica/campaign.jsp?campaign=13&fundraiser=3461#.WyoCU6tSEWQ.facebook
Cremation with care is under the direction of the Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Crematory in Inverness.
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