Obituary of Opal Irene Pierce

Opal Capps was born on April 28, 1939, in Middlesboro, Kentucky. She was one daughter born from the union of Benjamin Franklin and Vesta Cordelia Capps. She married the love of her life, James "Lank" Pierce on January 23, 1959, in Monroe and the couple remained married until his passing in 1990.

​Opal’s life was centered around the one thing she held most dear; being a homemaker. From the moment she stepped into the role of caring for her family, Opal poured all her energy and creativity into making their house a warm and welcoming place.

But beyond these duties, Opal had a passion for bingo that was unmatched. She saw the game as not just a pastime, but a way to connect with others and bring joy and excitement into her life. Whether it was at the local community or veteran center, or even a church social, Opal made it her mission to play bingo anytime she could. The thrill of marking off a winning number and shouting "bingo!" never failed to bring a smile to her face.

Opal had a keen eye for hidden treasures at yard sales. It became a weekend tradition for her to scour the neighborhood for unique finds, her knack for spotting valuable items amidst the piles of second-hand goods not only brought her personal satisfaction but also added special touches to her home that told stories of their own.

Opal Irene Pierce, age 85, of LaSalle, passed away at 7:50pm while under the care of Beacon Hospice at FountainView of Monroe, on Saturday; June 8, 2024.  In addition to her husband James, her passing was preceded by her parents; three sisters: Loretta Carmack, Dollie Graves, and Betty Gregory; and four brothers-in-law: James Carmack, Ted Graves, Henry "H.L." Gregory, and Larry Cooper.

To cherish her memory, Opal leaves three children: Katrinka Goins of Monroe, Randall (Sally) Pierce of Hot Springs, Arkansas, and Rodney (Cathy) Pierce of LaSalle; three sisters: Marie (Curnie) Wilson, Joyce Cooper, and Bobbie (Otis) Gregory; a brother: Benjamin (Sunny) Capps; five grandchildren: Jodi Goins, Mary Jane (Jeremy) Sims, Jesse (Emily) Pierce, Allison (John) Lembo, and David Pierce; eleven great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild on the way; and her canine companion, a Yorkie-Poo named Tynse.

Friends may gather on Friday; June 14, 2024, at Shumate Funeral Home; 2321 West Cumberland Avenue, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965 (606) 248-1234, from 11:00am until the time of a Celebration of Her Life at 1:00pm.   Interment will immediately follow at Hill Cemetery, Speedwell, Tennessee.

Her local care was entrusted to Merkle Funeral Service, South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070.  Online guests may visit www.merklefs.com to leave words of inspiration and comfort or to share a photo.