Opal Black

Opal V. Black

Age 94 of Wilmington, passed away Friday March 7, 2008 at Miller Health Care Center in Kankakee.

Born July 30, 1913 in Kankakee, Opal was a daughter of the late Jay C. and Florence Simpson-Bennett. She was raised and educated in Lincoln, Nebraska and on November 15, 1932 Opal married Frank Black in Joliet. She was employed by the Joliet Arsenal (APSA) for 30 years until her retirement in 1972 and was a very active member of the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington. In her free time Opal volunteered at Kuzma Care Cottage, enjoyed traveling and vacationing, working crossword puzzles, playing the piano and spending time with her family.

Survivors include one son William (Geraldine) Black of Reddick; daughter-in-law Mary Black of Wilmington; eight grandchildren: Kim (the late Steve) Swanson of Naperville, Pete "Butch" (Kathy) Kommer of Joliet, Kathy (Andy) Adams of Plainfield, Mike (Simone) Kommer of Iowa, Julie (Terry) McAdams of Gardner, Phil Cryder of Chicago, Owen (Michelle) Black of Hennepin and Shelly Black of Wilmington; (10) Great Grandchildren: Corlin, Caylin, Colin, Sarah, Marcus, Valerie, Erik, Patrick, Lexi and Phoenix; one brother Paul Bennett of Thawville, IL and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents; husband Frank (1988), son Randy (2006); one granddaughter Kelli Van Duyne (1979) and sister-in-law Violetta Bennett.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Tuesday March 11, 2008 from 4:00PM until time of funeral service 7:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 219 North Joliet Street (two blocks North of Illinois Route 53 / Baltimore Street) in Wilmington. Rev. Mark Moon from the First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington will officiate.

A private family interment will follow in Ridgeland Township Cemetery in Thawville, Illinois.

Friends may sign the online guest book by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Preferred memorials in lieu of flowers may be made as gifts in Opal's memory to The First Presbyterian Church of Wilmington.

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Home in Wilmington, (815/476-7621)