Opal Marie (Williams) Davis

Opal Marie (Williams) Davis, formerly of Carterville, passed away in Chesterfield, Missouri, on May 6, 2022. She made her transition with anticipation and grace.

She was a proud member of the Carterville High School graduating class of 1946, which made her 93 years old. Class reunions were a highlight.

She was the daughter of Albert (Chunky) Williams and Opal Gillespie Williams, and grew up mostly on S. Division. She had a beautifully trained voice, and sang at many high school and social events in Carterville, accompanied by her mother. Shortly after graduation, she married Clyde Davis. They had three daughters, Beverly Luster and twins, Barbara Southerland and Cathy Moore. In 1954, the family moved to Lincoln, Illinois.

She was active in her S. Baptist Church as a singer and Sunday school teacher, often being in charge of the many potlucks. Clyde and Opal enjoyed square dancing and traveling in their motorhome. They rarely missed an Opening Night of their grandson, Douglas Storm, who was a Broadway singer/actor, that was often on tour. Several times, they were joined in New York and on tour by her friends since first grade, the Evans twins, Maxine Perkins and Geraldine Burrus.

In 2000, Clyde and Opal moved to Chesterfield, Missouri, to be near their daughter Beverly, where Opal enjoyed reigning over many musical parties and spending time at her daughter’s home at Lake of the Ozarks. Her husband passed in 2002. She enjoyed including her grand niece’s family, Cara Baxter Cox (formerly Carterville now Marion), in celebrating life events. Cara was at her side at her passing along with Beverly, granddaughter Penny Moore Stevens, Douglas, and great granddaughter Madeline Storm.

Opal is preceded in death by her parents; her sister, Zowanda (Wanie) Baxter; her niece, Cheryl Baxter; and her daughter, Cathy.

Daughters Beverly and Barbara survive, along with a multitude of great grands, great greats and son-in-law, Noel Luster.

Graveside service will be Thursday, June 16, 3:00 PM, at Oakwood Cemetery, in Carterville. Riggin-Pillatsch & Burke Funeral Home is caring for arrangements, as they have for generations.

She was a lively and joyful personality with ringing laughter. This will be her quietest celebration.

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