Opal Vivian Davis, beloved spouse, mother, grandmother, and aunt passed away Saturday, January 18, 2025. Opal was born April 21, 1942, the first child of Edgar and Opal (Higgins) Headrick. Opal attended Stotesbury Grade School through the 4th grade and then transferred to Metz when her parents purchased their family farm. Opal was very proud to have graduated in 1960 from Metz High School, which closed several years later. Opal was united in marriage to Kenny Davis in 1965. They were blessed with three children, Carl, Julie, and Timothy. Opal was family oriented and took great joy in her children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephew. Opal was affectionately known by her cousins and siblings, as “Sis” or “Little Opal” and “Aunt Sis” to her nieces and nephew. Opal was a skilled seamstress and was often called upon to help her daughter, nieces and granddaughters with various clothing projects.
As a child, Opal took only six piano lessons and continued practicing on her own to become a proficient pianist, often helping out at various church services and community events with her piano skills. She also taught her younger siblings, Gary and Mary, to play the piano. As the oldest child, Opal was a very responsible child and was often relied upon to assist on the farm. She continued the farm life as a young wife, working at the Vernon County ASCS Office, and then working alongside her husband on their farm near Foster raising registered Hampshire hogs and Angus cattle. Opal could operate anything with wheels or four legs and was a superior creative problem solver. In 1978, Opal and Kenny relocated to Nevada, MO where Opal rejoined the workforce, working at the Nevada City Hospital, for Dr. C. Joustra, and later Ozark Medical Center in Lamar. She was extremely efficient and capable at whatever endeavor she pursued. Upon her retirement at age 76, Opal continued to supplement her retirement by being a driver. Opal enjoyed getting to know the members of the Amish and Mennonite Communities and developed close friendships with many of them. Throughout her life, Opal maintained a close relationship with Christ, first as a child attending Rinehart Christian Church and most recently the First Christian Church of Nevada.
Opal is survived by her husband of 59 years, Kenny, of the home, siblings, Gary Headrick and Mary Baze, her children Carl Davis (Cheryl), Bronaugh, MO, Julie Fry (Dennis), Fort Scott, KS, Tim Davis (Amanda), Hyannis, NE, grandchildren Hannah Adame (Michael), Gavin Fry (Greta), Jocelyn Davis (Brandon), Kaylee Davis, Gwenyth Fry, Cash Davis, and Byron Fry, and great-grandchildren Remi, Gaines, and Jensen.
Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 23, 2025 at Ferry Funeral Home in Nevada. Interment will follow in Salem Cemetery in Foster, MO. The family will receive friends from 6-8:00 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers those who wish may contribute to the family or St. Jude Children’s Hospital c/o Ferry Funeral Home.
