Opal Davis

On September 29, 2004, Opal Davis, 81, beloved mother, sister, grandma, great and great-great grandma, nana and best friend went to be with her Lord and Savior.
She was born, December 29, 1922, the daughter of Clarence and Evea R. (Byrd) Aday at the homestead in Hickman, Ky.  She was married to Elmer L. Boots Davis.  They had five children.
Opal was a very hard worker with a variety of occupations, from the ship yards in war  time to the garment industry.  She was best known for her work and labor of love- cooking.  She was a very dedicated and devoted friend to all who knew her.  She had unconditional love for her family, not only the ones who were related, but the closest of friends, who are known as family.  We are all better people to have known her and to have been loved by her.
Mrs. Davis was preceded in death by her parents, Clarence and Evea Aday; her husband, Elmer L. Davis; many sisters, including Francis (Aday) Thompson; many brothers, including Oather Aday; her beloved son, Gary Davis; her twins, her grandchildren, Denise M. Davis, Romona Poochie Gabelman, Rory Wally Butler and Anthony Tony Gabelman and many nephews.
She is survived by her brothers, Jerry (Linda) Aday of Missouri and Vester (JoAnne) Aday of Missouri; her children, Betty L. Gabelman and Anna F. (Hess) Davis; her nieces, Linda Gale and Debbie; her grandchildren, Diane (Harry) LaPointe of New Athens, Charles (Dolly) Gabelman of Mt. Vernon, David (Rachel) Hess Jr. of Tamaroa, Renee Davis of Maryland, Richard (Eve) Hess of Du Quoin, Greg Gabelman of Du Quoin, Angela Hess (Mark) Rojek of Du Quoin, Yolonda Hess of Tamaroa; her great-grandchildren, Gary (Terra) Gabelman of New Athens, Travis Gabelman of Fairview Heights, Caitlin and Steven Hess of Tamaroa, Brittany Church-Monk, Kristen Thilman, Cadey, Ashley, Kody and Choloe Hess of Du Quoin, Heather Gabelman of Columbia, Mo., Cory Gabelman of Moberly, MO., Joshua Jones of Centralia, Elizabeth Hobbs of Du Quoin, Caleb Gabelman of Collinsville, Melissa Pearson-Rojek, Tyler Rankin-Rojek, Emma and Markie Rojek of Du Quoin and Cheyenne Hess of Tamaroa and her great-great-grandchildren, Tyler and Dillon Gabelman of New Athens and Abbygail Gabelman of Columbia, Mo.
She is also survived by extended family and friends, Ronda Helsley and family, Julie Vessel and family, Ada and family, Lisa and Matthew Robasse, Michael and Jason Lampley and many more.
Arrangements were made at Searby Funeral Home in Du Quoin.
Visitation was held on Friday, October 1 from 5 to  8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with services immediately following.  Bro. George Alvis officiated.  Interment was at Antioch Cemetery in Tamaroa.
After interment, a gathering of family and friends was held at 2 W. Park, Du Quoin, the home of Mark and Angela Rojek.
