In Memory of...

Opal May Cook Blanchard Kelly



Opal was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. Her lineage traces back to the pioneer families that settled the Tampa Bay area in 1840. She attended school in Brandon and fondly remembered Highway 60 when it was a dirt road. She was greatly saddened in later years when circumstances compelled her to leave the area to move closer to family.






She was an avid classic country music and Elvis fan. She loved to recount the story of meeting Elvis at the very beginning of his career when he was touring with Andy Griffith and appeared at Ft. Homer Hesterly Amory on July 31, 1955. Opal was a retiree from Publix Supermarkets. For many years she “lobbied” for a Chattanooga Publix which opened a few months before her death














Circumstances allowed her very few opportunities for formal education, however she pursued knowledge and was able to attain her degree in 1984.

“Maw Maw” was a devoted grandmother who loved hosting “dinner parties” for family, and playing Scrabble.

She was predeceased by her long time companion, James Chavez.

Opal May Cook Blanchard Kelly

May 22, 1940
Tampa, Florida

July 26, 2008
Rossville, Georgia

Parents
Arthur Edward Cook Sr.
(1899-1973)
Gladys Fay Stanley Cook Branham
(1906-1999)

Siblings
Norma Rhodes, Clyde Ivie (deceased), Marvin Ivie,

Gladys Smith, Arthur “Jr.” Cook (deceased)

Children
Debbie Blanchard Little
William Charles Blanchard Jr.

Granddaughters
Rebekah Little (Jason) Patty
Jessica Little (Todd) Castleberry
Amanda Little Davis
Danielle Nicole Glasgow
Carrissa Marie Creider
Sarah Michelle Blanchard

Great Grandchildren
Olivia Grace Davis
Mason Alexander Castleberry
Emma Cathleen Davis
William “Grant” Castleberry
Kennedy Anne Castleberry
Dorian Andreas Creider

Amazing Grace

Amazing grace, how sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me
I once was lost, but now am found
Was blind, but now I see


Go Rest High

I know your life
On earth was troubled
And only you could know the pain.
You weren’t afraid to face the devil
You were no stranger to the rain.

Chorus:
Go rest high on that mountain
Son, your work on earth is done
Go to heaven a shoutin
Love for the Father and the Son

Oh, how we cried the day you left us
We gathered around your grave to grieve
I wish I could see the angels’ faces
When they hear your sweet voice sing