Opal Glaze's Obituary
It is with a bittersweet joy that we celebrate and remember the life of Opal Christine Glaze. She was a cherished wife, beloved mother, a sweet and dear friend, and a treasured Nanny. Opal filled a room with laughter and could take charge of any situation. She loved the Lord and committed her life to serving others generously and sharing the love of Christ with those around her. She loved others so well.
She also enjoyed crocheting and cooking, and in some circles, the family couldn’t attend events unless Opal brought her banana pudding along. The hallmark of Christmas at her house was her tea cart overflowing with fudge and other homemade goodies. She was happiest with her entire family gathered around the dining table enjoying her food and each other's company.
Opal was born in Seadrift, Texas on July 14, 1933 to Clarence Barton and Johnie Webb. She grew up in this tiny town on the coast and, even though she moved, she stayed connected with friends and family in the area. She was always proud of her home.
Opal married Sammy Glaze on December 1, 1951 in Kerrville. From then on, they were lifelong residents of Longview, Texas, where they were founding members of Holy Trinity First Congregational Church and then, later, members of Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Sammy and Opal had a love for the ages and complemented each other perfectly. They loved to travel with friends and family.
Opal worked as a homemaker and bookkeeper, retiring after 23 years at Gregg Florist and another five and a half years with Texas Cash Register Co.
Opal has always been an active member of her community and led a continual life of service to others through cheerleading, pep squads, and annual clubs in high school to serving through the Beta Sigma and Epsilon Sigma Alpha sororities as an adult, Citizens on Patrol after retiring, and then volunteering with Longview Regional Medical Center after Sammy passed. Her biggest acts of love and service were always to her family, though, and for them, she was always available and willing to help, celebrate, encourage, hug, or share a laugh.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her sister Estelle Virginia Barton, and her beloved husband, Sammy Earl Glaze.
Opal’s great joy was her family, and she is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tom Conway of Longview and granddaughter Courtney; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Gail Glaze of The Woodlands, granddaughter Nicole and her husband, Andrew, and great grandson Micah, grandson Kyle, and great granddaughters Kiely and Jaelyn; granddaughter Tara and her husband, Nick, and great-grandchildren Aiden and Gracie; and Brian and Wendy Glaze of Clear Lake and grandsons Nicholas and Ethan.
A visitation for Opal will be held on Friday, February 14th from 5-7 at Rader Funeral Home of Longview.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 15th at 10:00 am at Evangelical Presbyterian Church in Longview, Texas.
What’s your fondest memory of Opal?
What’s a lesson you learned from Opal?
Share a story where Opal's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Opal you’ll never forget.
How did Opal make you smile?
