Opal McGill

Obituary Opal Lee McGill began her life journey on December 27, 1931. She was born to the union of Luther and Cleo Wright. She was the third out of six children; Lillie Mae, Carrie Lou, Emma Faye, Mozell and Luther Jr. She earned her heavenly wings on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Opal was proceeded in death by her husband QT McGill, her parents and sisters Lillie Mae Jackson and Emma Faye King. Opal grew up in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. She received her education in the Spring Hill School District. She attended Clayborn Chapel AME and accepted Christ at a young age. Opal was a member of the church choir. Her love for singing also landed her a spot in the Lady’s Quartet which brought her so much joy! Several years later she relocated to Kansas City, Missouri and met QT McGill, the love of her life. To their union they had one child, Barbara Ann McGill. She also gained an amazing bonus son, Billy Ray McGill. QT and Opal were married for 54 years until his death in 2008. Opal enjoyed visiting several churches in the area. Her two favorite churches were Metropolitan Baptist church and Paradise Missionary Baptist church in Kansas City. Later she attended Sheffield Family Life Center. She enjoyed services under the direction of Pastor George Westlake Sr, going to the revivals and receiving prayers from Sister Theresa when she was the guest for the evening services. Opal started her employment in Kansas City at Monark Egg Corporation. Later she joined the Cricket West clothing store in the Country Club Plaza. Cricket West was one of her favorite places of employment. She was a very fashion savvy lady who kept up with the latest and greatest of fashion! She was a “sharp” dresser and perfect for the job! She told many stories about the famous people that she met at Cricket West. After several years at Cricket West she decided to leave and joined KU Medical Center. She was a supervisor in the Tray Line department. Opal loved her job at KU! She gained a lot of great friends and was a mentor for many. She believed in reaching back and pulling up. Her strong personality was what the doctor ordered on many occasions dealing with inequality and job dissatisfaction for employees. Opal retired from KU in 1993. Opal had several hobbies. She enjoyed cooking and baking. She made some of the best pies and cakes! Let’s not forget her breakfast and dinner meals. Deeelicious! Sewing was another favorite. She made outfits for her daughter Barbara and also her niece Linda Clayborn, who was like a second daughter. She also sewed for family and friends. Opal loved to shop. She enjoyed shopping with her daughter Barbara. Trips to JC Penny, Kohls, Ross, Price Chopper, Hy-Vee and Sunfresh was exciting for her. The simple things in life excited her. She loved to travel. Her favorite was taking annual trips to Nebraska to attend the horse races and trips to Las Vegas with her siblings to play the slots. She was the trip planner and loved the responsibility. She also enjoyed the Indian reservation casino bus tours and going to the local Harrah’s, Ameristar and Isle of Capri casinos with her sister Mozell and close friend Marcusie. From lending an ear or a shoulder to cry on, to assisting her sibling with the care of her beautiful children, her love for family ran deep. She was a pillar, a leader, a nurturer, a confidant, a spirit lifter, a wisdom instiller, a great story teller and a breath of fresh air. She was love. She will truly be missed. Opal is survived by her daughter; Barbara Nelson (Myron), son; Billy Ray McGill, Sr. (Georgia) sisters; Carrie Lou Neal, Mozell Carter (George) Brother; Luther Wright Sr. (Vicky) grandchildren; Kathy Boutte (Derrick), Billy Ray McGill Jr. (Melissa), Alisha “LeLe” James-Robinson (Eric) great grandchildren; Victor Harrison, Maurisha “ReRe” Brown, LaTonya McGill, Donivan James, Jerrica McGill, Josan McGill, LaTreece McGill, Erik Boutte and Isaiah James-Robinson, 4 great-great grandchildren, 3 special caregiver friends; Alfreda “Ms. Alf”, Cindy, Joyce and a host of family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday April 6, 2019 at Mount Calvary Church of God in Christ. Visitation 9:00 A.M. Interment Brooking Cemetery. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Opal McGill, please visit our floral store. Read More

Opal McGill

December 27, 2019 - March 30, 2019