Opal Wilson

Opal Mae Wilson

(nee Rhodes)

Age 87 of Wilmington, went home to be with the Lord on Friday evening July 12, 2013 at the home of her son and daughter-in-law in Wilmington.

Born March 23, 1926 in Ramsey, Illinois, Opal was a daughter of the late Henry and Mary Rhodes of Wilmington. A devout Christian from the age of 16 and active member of the Wilmington Pentecostal Church for many, many decades. Opal's life was spent serving others as a church-member, wife, mother, daughter, sister, and baby-sitter. She gave of herself, taking care of her mother, father, brother and husband in their final years and providing them with love, kindness and never ending loyalty. She was a great Christian lady who was a superb example for us all. Opal lived under the care of her son and daughter-in-law for the past 5 years, and at the time of her death was under the care of Hospice of Kankakee Valley, who were a tremendous help.

Opal is survived by her immediate family: Son and daughter-in-law; Benjamin and Mary Wilson, Grandchildren; Michael Wilson (Angela Licardi), Robyn Wilson (Adam Ybarra) and Greg Wilson (Katie Perry); great grandchildren: Courtney, Summer, Addison Lee and Amber; two sisters: Rosemary Countryman and Fern Howell both of Wilmington, and countless nieces and nephews. She loved and cherished them all.

She was Preceded in death by her parents; husband Pastor Benjamin C. Wilson Sr., whom she married on November 5, 1942 in Braidwood; grandson Timothy James Wilson; brothers: John, Virgil, Joe, Arthur and James "Henry" Rhodes, twin-brother Oral, and her childhood sister Rosie.

Visitation and video tribute will be held on Wednesday July 17, 2013 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Freitag-Reeves & Baskerville Funeral Home, 700 East Kahler Road in Wilmington. Funeral services will follow Thursday July 18th at 11:00AM in the funeral home with Brother Don Carr officiating.

Burial will be in Oakwood Cemetery, Wilmington, where Opal will be laid to rest with her late husband Benjamin.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Opal's memory to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, 482 Main St NW, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914.

Friends may sign the online guestbook or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.FRBfuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction and care of Matthew R. Baskerville, CFSP. (815/476-2181)