Opal Iris Mead – September 24, 2013

Opal Iris Mead, 103, of Amarillo, died Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2013.Mead Obit Pic

Graveside services will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 28, 2013, in Memorial Park Cemetery with Jerry Bell, Pastoral Care at Park Central officiating.  A reception in Park Place Towers parlor will follow the graveside service.  Arrangements are by Boxwell Brothers Funeral Directors, 2800 Paramount Blvd.

Opal Iris Mead was born Nov. 18, 1909, on the Ritter Homestead near Groom, to George and Emma Ritter and was the youngest of nine children.  She married James Earl Mead on July 18, 1931.  They had been married over 73 years before his death in March, 2005.

Mrs. Mead was a member of Polk Street United Methodist Church and the Co-Workers Sunday school class where she served as president.  She was active with the church bazaar for many years and became famous for the dill bread she baked for the bazaar.  She and Earl were charter members of Tascosa Country Club.  They were members of the National and Texas Merchandising and Vending Associations.  She was recognized for her work with the ladies’ affiliated organization.

An avid golfer, she was proud of making a hole in one.  Her creativity showed up in her china painting and stained glass art works.  Her favorite holiday was Christmas and she enjoyed displaying her collection of Simpich carolers and elves.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl; a daughter, Janie Kressin; and two grandsons.

Survivors include her two daughters, Peggy Gardner of Colorado Springs, CO and Marilyn Sherwood of Amarillo; a son, James E. Mead, Jr. and wife Patricia of Lake Kiowa; ten grandchildren; fifteen great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

The family wishes to thank Ware Memorial Care Center and BSA Hospice for the special care Mrs. Mead received from the staff, nurses and aides.

The family suggests memorials be made to Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St., Amarillo, TX 79101; BSA Hospice, P.O. Box 950, Amarillo, TX 79105; or to a charity of your choice.

Family visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Friday, Sept. 27, 2013, at the funeral home.

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