« Return to Obituaries | Print
Funeral Ceremony: 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home
Burial: Elmwood Cemetery, Flora
Visitation: 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home
Opal Parish, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great- grandmother, passed peacefully in her sleep at the age of 103 on January 31, 2025. Opal was a lifelong resident of Flora, Illinois.
Opal Marie (Bute) Parish was born on April 29, 1921, to Nina Marie (Woods) Bute and Harry Opal Bute in Flora, Il. Opal and William (Bill) Parish married on July 1,1939, and they were married for 65 years until Bill passed on Nov 9, 2004.
Opal and Bill had 8 children together. Judith (Samuel) Burk of Lebanon, IL, Billie (deceased) (Robert) Guerrettaz of Cloverdale, IN, Robert (Bob) Parish (deceased), Nancy (Daniel) Powell of O’Fallon, IL, Sharon Byrd of Flora, IL, Richard (Rick) Parish (deceased), Preston (Marilyn) Parish of Olney, IL, and Roger (Debra, deceased) of Flora, IL.
Opal was the grandmother to 17 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great- grandchildren. All of whom loved her as immensely as she did them.
Opal was preceded in death by her siblings Dale Edward Bute, Hazel Bute, Margaret Bute Schofield, Geraldine Bute Blackwell.
Bill and Opal were very active in the General Baptist church in their lifetimes with Bill serving on the home mission board and as the minister at McCabe General Baptist church and several other area churches over the years. Together the couple traveled on mission trips to Honduras and Jamaica helping to build churches and schools. The couple also volunteered at Union Grove Church Camp, particularly when their grandchildren attended with Bill teaching shop and Opal working in the kitchen. Opal was very proud of her strong Faith and her relationship with Jesus.
While Opal was loved by the community and people of Flora, that pales in comparison to the love her family feels for her and the hole they feel in their hearts and their family at her absence. They are comforted to know that she blessed so many people with her love and her light and that she is now once again with her beloved husband Bill whom she has missed so much for so many years, and their three children. Ask any one of them and they will tell you without hesitation, she is the strongest person they have ever met.
A funeral ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at Frank & Bright Funeral Home in Flora with Mark Luzadder officiating. Burial will follow in Elmwood Cemetery, Flora. A visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home. Memorial donations are suggested to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Shriners Hospital for Children, and these will be accepted through the funeral home. To share a condolence or memory, visit: www.frankandbright.com
Aug 1, 1934 - Feb 1, 2025
Apr 29, 1921 - Jan 31, 2025
Dec 16, 1938 - Jan 23, 2025
Oct 5, 1929 - Jan 21, 2025
Aug 16, 1969 - Jan 21, 2025
I'm so sorry to see this. Knew Opal many years as Bro. Bill pastored in the General Baptist churches. Opal was a lovely an sweet lady Bless all who loved her.
A beautiful woman. That I not only looked up to. But that my mom tried to follow. And that's the highest praise. That can be given
You were the glue that held us together! I will forever cherish your patience, faith and love. I will hold our memories in my heart forever. I can only dream that my daughters will follow in your footsteps. I will love you always and forever!! Tell everyone hi for me, hope to see you in the future.
Sharon & family, So sorry to hear the passing of Opal. She was a lovely lady and a joy to talk too.
With Our Deepest Sympathy. We're so very sorry to hear this sad news. Sending love and prayers to her beloved family 🙏♥️
Was glad to get to visit with Opal & Sharon not long ago. Beautiful family. Deepest Sympathy to all. Love & Prayers covering you.
This just took the wind out of me! Aunt Opal was the best person ever. She used to tell me how much fun her and mom had together growing up. There will never be another woman in my eyes as gracious and faithful to the Lord than Aunt Opal. Wow.... I am just so got by this. I am just thinking of all your family that was waiting on you!!! Hope you and my are doing the hucklebuck!!!! Dance Aunt Opal, Dance.
Wow, its so hard to believe… missing Opal like Billie and Rick… feeling so sad for all her closest family—my prayers are with all of you-so many to list-Misha, Brian, Teresa, Sharon, Roger, and so many more. I am certain Opal is at Peace now, Eternal Peace with Jesus. May you all feel His peace during to grieving days ahead. From Vince and Eve.
Oh, Sharon. So sorry to hear this. She was a wonderful and gracious lady.
So sorry to hear she was such a sweet lady. Prayers for family.
So sorry for your loss, was at union grove camp with her many years. Beautiful woman inside and out.
I'm sorry for your loss, but I know Opal is where she longed to be. She was such a godly, precious lady. Opal and Bill were very special people. I'm praying for the family.
Sending my heartfelt condolences to you all. Miss Opal was a wonderful lady. I am proud to say she was my friend.
Opal and my mom were cousins. Opal was one of the kindest, loving. Christ like person I've ever known. She will be missed. We are praying that the Lord Jesus gives the family peace and comfort during this time of grief.
This lady was so invincible! But, what a wonderful thought to know exactly where she is right now in paradise with others of our family. Opal and Bill were always in my life - (she was a cousin to my mom, Ilene ) and I have memories as far back as I can remember of visiting with them. They were so much fun and loved on me as they did everyone in their world! Bill preached many a revival sermon at our little country church and baptized me when I was 12! I’m so blessed to have known them and happy to have had their influence in my life! Prayers and hugs of comfort to all the family….
So sorry for your loss. She was a really nice lady. Prayers for family.
What a surprise to hear Opal had gone to be with the Lord. Mom had just received a card this week. What a wonderfully sweet lady and great Christian example. She is certainly going to be missed by those that knew her best. Prayers of comfort for Opal’s family as they mourn their loss and celebrate Heaven’s gain! Alice & Randy Childers and Nancy Dehart
Prayers for strength and comfort. She was a sweet lady.
To Opal’s family, Your Mother was truly an amazing woman! We loved her and always enjoyed seeing her. Opal was so friendly and always had a smile. And she still had her drivers license! Opal will be missed by all who knew and loved her. Our sympathy to her family.
So sorry for the loss of such an amazing lady. She was so inspirational. Her life was well lived with love for the Lord and her family. I know she will be missed.
Such a lovely lady. I had several opportunities the past few years to spend a little time with her. Enjoyed every minute.
Opal was truly a blessing to all who knew her. My heart is aches for each of you. Your whole family have been part of my life, my entire life. From Being neighbors, my mom babysitting Roger, working with Sharon at CEFS, working with Preston at Sparton, being a fellow Mary Kay lady with Opal. I love you all. Sending hugs and prayers for each one of you.
My deepest sympathies to everyone! Opal was one of a kind. She will b missed by many. I'm sooo glad i got to see her n hug her last week in walmart. Hugs to everyone!
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Heavem gained a wonderful Saint! She was some one i admired!! Her faith and strength! We didn't see each other often, but when I ran into her, it was like no time had passed!! She will be missed!!
I want to offer my sincere condolences to the entire Parish family, I believe Bob parish was in my class in school, I know Parish family has been through a lot. I thought the world of Bill Parish, he was the corner stone of the family. May your time of grief be short.
Opal will be remembered for her deep love for her family and her unwavering commitment to her Christian beliefs. I hope you all are comforted knowing she is now resting in the eternal embrace of our Lord. Opal was a special lady, she will forever be remembered on her great granddaughter's birthday (Emma Marie Parish) every year. Prayers of comfort and peace for you all!
Opal was. an inspiration to all of us. She will be missed by so many.
Condolences to the entire family. I'm so sorry that you all lost the one person who held your family together. I am praying for you, and sending love and hugs.
I have known Opal for most of my 80 years. She was a wonderful lady, an inspiration to all she met. Sorry for your loss. Prayers of comfort for all the family and friends.
Opal was such a light. Her spirit shone through her . Prayers for comfort the family.
Sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers for the family.
So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful caring person.
My thoughts and prayers are with the Parish family in the loss of their beautiful mother. Just know that the angels in heaven are rejoicing with her and watching over all of you.
This was the strongest woman I know. Her family and her faith in the Lord never faltered. Aunt Opal, you have filled so many hearts with love for 103 years. To say you will be missed is an understatement. Mom and you ❤️ were close and I am glad to have known this.
She was a great lady and so kind she will be miss
Frank & Bright Funeral Home
and Cremation Services
500 North Main Street
Flora, Illinois 62839
Phone : (618) 662-2141
Fax: (618) 662-4600
Email: [email protected]
