In Loving Memory of
Opal Johnson Smith
August 27, 1934 – December 27, 2020
A Virtual Memorial Gathering was held on January 15, 2021 at 1:00 PM CST
Opal Johnson Smith was born on August 27, 1934 in Nigton, Texas to Wayne Wright Johnson and Elsie Mark Johnson. She was the youngest of eight children. Opal described her father as calm, rational and very loving and her mother as good-looking, creative and sassy. They both provided a very loving and supportive environment. She studied piano for many years and her mother thought that she would go to college and major in music. However, she went on to graduate from high school at 15 and enrolled in Prairie View A&M University as a Mathematics major. She was crowned Miss Prairie View in 1954 and earned her Bachelor’s degree that same year. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in Education from the University of Wisconsin at Madison. Opal Johnson began her teaching career at Abraham Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, Texas.
On December 22, 1958, she married fellow Prairie View alumnus Joe Edward Smith from Madisonville, Texas. To this union four children were born: Kevin (Allison), Gayle (Donald), Stanley (Cassandra) and Cedrick.
Opal Johnson Smith taught in various Texas cities – Beaumont, Houston and Waller. After relocating to Dallas, she joined the Dallas Independent School District where she was recognized as an exceptional educator and leader for 35 years as a Teacher, Assistant Principal, Principal and was as a central administrator serving as Director of the Alternative Certification Program.
Opal was a faithful member of Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church where she served in many capacities. Opal was an ordained Elder and sang in the gospel choir. She also founded the LOGOS youth ministry and was the first Assistant Spiritual Director of the Oak Cliff Great Banquet community. Opal was a trustee of the Oak Cliff Presbyterian Church Foundation and served on the Centennial Building Committee.
Opal Johnson Smith was a committed fundraiser for organizations that elevated and supported higher education and the arts. She was a member of the University of North Texas-Dallas steering committee. She was also a devoted supporter of the Dallas Black Dance Theater. The Dallas Black Dance Theater honored her at its annual Founders Luncheon in 2016.
Moreover, her lifelong passion and support was focused on and dedicated to Prairie View A&M University. She raised nearly $1 million dollars for Prairie View athletic programs through the Dallas Alumni Chapter Annual Gala, which she founded. She went on to serve as the President of the Prairie View Alumni Association where, under her leadership, new fundraising records were set. Opal was inducted into the National Black College Hall of Fame in 2003. Prairie View recognized her outstanding support by naming the auditorium in the Student Activities Center in her honor.She is survived by her husband and four children along with grandchildren Kara, Alana, Donald, Ryan, Dylan, Caleb, Stanley and Hillary. She is also survived by one nephew and several nieces.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Opal Johnson Smith Scholarship Fund.
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Gayle you and the family will continue to be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult season. Much Love Llewellyn & Charnella
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I had hoped to attend the virtual service- Mrs. Opal Smith was my neighbor and a mentor fir me and my eldest daughter. She will be remembered fir wonderful pride in her community, an amazing mother, friend, neighbor and a class act. May the memories that she shared with her family and friends bring you comfort and peace as we celebrate the life and legacy of this beautiful soul. My sincere condolences and prayers to all that knew Mrs. Smith. She will be dearly missed but remembered always. Blessings -???
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So sorry that I was not able to attend the virtual memorial for your beautiful mother, as I was traveling at that time… But I absolutely LOVED the video tribute!!! I have always had the utmost respect and admiration for your entire family, and I know that the excellence you bring to the world is a reflection of your parents, their parents and their parents’ parents. You all are the legacy of the incomparable Opal Johnson Smith. May she Rest In Peace as her reward for a job well-done!
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The life that graced this world so beautifully in the person of Opal Johnson Smith now shines bright and new in heaven, for Paul teaches us “To be absent from the body is to be present with the LORD”!!! So let us rejoice even through our tears. In her calm, eloquent, and courageous approach to life, one would have thought she never had a care in the world. I am so grateful that our lives crossed more than sixty years ago. We laughed and cried, worked and studied, and marveled at similarities in our journey. From the day I sang at her wedding to her beloved Joe until the day she proudly showed me her beautifully decorated place at the Meridian complements of her loving son Cedric, never I hear her speak a negative word. Kevin, Stanley, Gail and Cedric, you made your mother so proud; not only because or you personal accomplishments, but because of the loving, generous, and excellent human beings you are. To all of the family, especially to Kara and the grands, remember, emulate, and give thanks for her legacy. Blessings and love, Gloria King
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Sitting in the choir at OCPC, I always watched for Opal to come down to her seat near the front of the church. I wanted to see her always beautiful outfit, her big smile, and her sassy, poised walk. She was one of a kind, wonderful. Mary Beth Benham McLemore
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Kevin, Gayle, Stanley and Cedrick, We always thought we were the special ones in her life (smiles). But as we saw from the memorial service, we were two of many. Mrs. Smith was our Algebra teacher at Lincoln High School in Port Arthur, Texas. Most of all, she was a wonderful friend. We loved her so much. We shared many personal problems with her. She was always able to give positive advice about many things. You probably don’t remember us, but we visited your home in Beaumont and in Dallas, Texas several times when you were children. We felt like members of your family and still do. She was a beautiful person (in and out). We can’t imagine life without her, but life goes on. Our continued prayers are with you and your family. We love you!
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Aunt Opal was simply the best. My love to the family.
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To the family of Opal Smith, You have my deepest sympathy as you go through this difficult and trying time. I am praying for God to comfort and strengthen you as you go through
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Rest on in the arms of our God. See you in the morning
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Words cannot express how inspiring you were to me. You had more faith in my dreams more than I did myself because you were just like a mother. You told me I could do anything I put my mind into and you were absolutely right. God ordained the day our paths crossed because you were truly heaven sent. May God bless your beautiful soul. Rest on Ms. Opal.
Love,
Matthew Obegolu, MD
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Praying for the family during this difficult time .May God continue to Bless all of you and keep you as you hold on to Beautiful memories of such a Beautiful person .We love you all very much God Bless Boyd Smith Jr.
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Mrs. Smith was extremely kind and always willing to provide assistance for the next generation to achieve success. She played a huge role in my education journey at Prairie View A&M University and I am honored to be an alumnus of her alma mater. I will always be grateful for her generous and wonderful spirit.
Love,
Caleb Frazier
PVAMU CLASS OF 2015
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With a tear in my eye I write this note to try to express the love that I have and my family has for Mother Opal Smith. We became family friends over 50 years ago and have always been a part of each other’s lives. Everyone should be so lucky to be able to say that you had multiple mothers who would always show you love and kindness. The love that Mother Opal showed to the world and everyone cannot be defined. I will always miss being able to call her about everything, life, love, education, children, God, and even knowing the best places to dine. What an exquisite example of what a wonderful mother looks like. Beauty, charm, class, character, smart, and the list could go on and on trying to describe Mother Opal. Thank you for memories, love, and lessons. I, along with my family will never forget and you will always be in my heart and my family’s heart. Rest now, rest in Heaven, you have earned your seat. May God bless and keep your children, grand children, and your entire family. May your legacy live on forever! Thank you – Love forever.
Edith Record Frazier
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What a beautiful wonderful soul! Mrs. Opal Smith truly impacted all she touched. She will truly be missed. Praying for all family and friends of this amazing woman.
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Thank you Ms. Smith for being a guiding light for so many. Your support, laugh and impeccable style has left an indelible impression on my life and I thank you for that.
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To the Smith Family.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted. Psalm 34:18 NIV – Ecclesiastes 3:1 & 2 says there is a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die. It must have been Opal’s time. I cherish the memories of our lunch times together at Lincoln High School In Port Arthur 1962-1964. I left to join my husband in Greenville, Tx. She was a dedicated PVA&M alumna, and didn’t hesitate at the conventions to encourage financial support of the university and the conventions. She would greet us with a beautiful smile at all times. She will definitely be missed by many of us. My sincere sympathy to the Family. May you find comfort and strength from your precious memories of her and from God’s Word.
Sincerely,
Eva Derry Richards
Greenville Tx
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“Mrs. Opal was the most creative fundraiser during her time. She was always ready to extend advice and monetary support. Her and her husband, Mr. Joe gave to support scholarships and the construction of our new stadium. She always made time for the Prairie View A&M Foundation to speak at the NAA Galas. During a PVAMF fundraiser, when gifting rates were near zero, she made a statement that changed Panther Giving forever – “ … we should give until it hurts and then give more and more!” Her statement resulted in the best giving day in PVAMF history. I will always be grateful for Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith – Roy G. Perry, PVAMF Chair Emeritus.
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Mrs. Opal came into my life in 2007. I could never express enough how genuine a friend she was to me. Over the years I would visit with her and she was always kind and welcoming. Oh how quickly the time would slip away. We would talk and laugh for hours. She was so proud of her kids and grandkids. They would be included in every conversation, as well as Mr. Joe. Mrs. Opal was the the epitome of sheer elegance, with her own personal style. She possessed an inviting smile that lit up every room she graced. She will forever be in my heart! To the family, my prayer is that our Father, The God of all Comfort be your peace and that you take each memory to be your sunshine after the rain.
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I can still remember the phone call that changed my life. Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith was on the line calling to ask if I would be willing to serve as her apprentice for the Dallas Alumni Chapters’ 5th Annual Athletic Scholarship Gala. It’s been more than 20 years since a most fabulous PV Alumna (Ms. Smith) met an unassuming 20 something (Me,) changing her life forever. In her passing I lost not only a mentor but a friend. Mrs. Opal Johnson Smith, class of 1954, Miss Prairie View 1954, creator of the Dallas Athletic Scholarship Gala and PVAMU National Alumni President 1999-2001. She was an amazing person; filled with the gifts of encouragement, motivation, and positivity. I learned so much from her in regards to building relationships with others, negotiating, event planning and much more. We always had the best conversations. She had a way of making you feel OH SO SPECIAL. She LOVED Prairie View with a servant’s heart which made me love Prairie View even more. Giving back to PV was non-negotiable. We owed PV a debt and our continued service to our alma mater is how we paid. I’ll never forget her saying, "Sometimes we have to give until it hurts and then GIVE some more." Those of us privy to her ‘GLOW’ will miss that light upon our faces but it will never dim in our hearts. She will truly be missed. There’s a quote by Erma Bombeck, "When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, I used everything you gave me." And that she did. Job well done Ms. Smith.
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Your love for others I will carry in my heart forever. Thank you for all your support of South Oak Cliff WyldLife. We love you!
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Opal, We will miss the joy you brought to so many, your birthday calls and your beautiful voice singing the birthday song. It is with great sadness and joy to know that you are on your next journey with your Lord.
Love always, James and Julia Blackwell
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A brilliant math mind with the heart of a teacher and the soul of a saint. She was ALL of that plus a beautiful woman with a beautiful spirit!
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You were everything I could have asked for in an aunt – kind, loving, brilliant, a role model, loyal, generous, devoted, welcoming, with a great sense of humor. Everyone felt special in your presence and you saw potential in us that we often couldn’t see in ourselves. Thank you, and I will always love you.
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i love you momma and miss you. i was your biggest advocate and always had your back! thank you for being a light to so many and i miss speaking with you on my way to work and hearing that raspy voice of yours along with that signature laugh!