Obituary of Opal Marie Reagan

Opal M. Reagan, 77, of Dowagiac, formerly of Niles, passed away on Sunday, April 29, 2012, at her daughter's residence. She was born in Warren County, Tennessee on November 18, 1934, the daughter of Ernest and Julia (Martin) Hodges. On November 18, 1952, Opal's 18th birthday, she married the love of her life, (Arnold) Sam Reagan, in Walker County, Georgia. They were long-time residents of Niles. Sam preceded her in death on January 16, 1996. Opal worked at Simplicity Pattern from 1969 until 1994. After her retirement, she worked as a home health aide. She loved helping the elderly, and devoted much of her time and energy as a caregiver to friends and family members. Opal leaves behind a legacy of her many talents, including baking, crocheting, sewing, making porcelain dolls, and painting. She instilled in her loved ones her passions for southern cooking, church hymns, and working in her flowers. Opal was a life long member of the Church of Christ. She loved her family and spending time with them. Opal and Sam had two children, Carl David Reagan who passed away on July 24, 2011, and Brenda Mae Reagan of Dowagiac who Opal lived with since August of 2010. Opal is also survived by one sister, Polly Woodlee of McMinnville, Tennessee, daughter-in-law Fonda Reagan of Niles, and granddaughters Mandy (Shane) Wallace of The Plains, Virginia, Ashley Smith of Niles, and Julie Williams of Niles. Opal has six great-grandchildren. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews and many special friends including Merri and Johnny Bagwell, Rose Marlin, and her constant four-legged companion, Honey. She was preceded in death by five sisters: Vara Morgan, Hazel McCormack, Roberta Gribble, Ruby Hodges and Ernestine O'Neal, and one brother, Jimmie Hodges. She was also preceded in death by her only grandson, Sam Reagan, in June 1999. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at Noon at Mission Hills Memorial Chapel in Niles. A time of visitation will begin one hour prior. Memorial contributions may be made in Opal's memory to Heartland Hospice or Hospice at Home.