1946
Opal
2020
Opal J. Swan
September 21, 1946 — September 3, 2020
Opal Jeannette Allen Swan. was born September 21, 1946 to the late Pastor Hobert Allen, Sr. and Inez Dobbs Allen. Six children were born to this union--John Wesley, JB, AD (twins), Samuel Marshall, Hobert Jr. and ten years later... Opal Jeanette--the youngest child and only girl.
Opal (aka “Sista”) grew up in Rome, Georgia and graduated from Mary T. Banks Elementary and Main High School. As a teenager, she was a member of the Debonairs Girls Club. As the Pastor’s daughter, she was very active in the church (Pine Hill in Seney, GA; St. Luke in Cedartown, GA; St. Peter’s Baptist in Rome, GA; and New Hope Baptist in Cave Spring, GA), community, and with her large family in Georgia, Alabama, and Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school, Opal attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with her Associates Degrees in Human Resources. While living in Cincinnati, she was heavily involved in helping to raise several Allen nieces and nephews. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and worked there as a college intern.
Opal (aka “Sista”) grew up in Rome, Georgia and graduated from Mary T. Banks Elementary and Main High School. As a teenager, she was a member of the Debonairs Girls Club. As the Pastor’s daughter, she was very active in the church (Pine Hill in Seney, GA; St. Luke in Cedartown, GA; St. Peter’s Baptist in Rome, GA; and New Hope Baptist in Cave Spring, GA), community, and with her large family in Georgia, Alabama, and Cincinnati, Ohio. After high school, Opal attended the University of Cincinnati and graduated with her Associates Degrees in Human Resources. While living in Cincinnati, she was heavily involved in helping to raise several Allen nieces and nephews. She was a member of Bethlehem Baptist Church and worked there as a college intern.
In May 1964, Opal met “the love of her life”, John Henry Swan, Jr. who was serving in the Army. John and Opal married on November 26, 1966 at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Cincinnati. To their union was born three loving, caring, energetic, and sometimes mischievous sons: John Henry Swan, III (1967), James Howard Swan (1968), and Jamel Hestian Swan (1969). Their sons and family kept them busy with overwhelmingly hectic but fun schedules (church, school events, soccer, football, basketball, wrestling, etc.).
Opal worked as Director of Human Resources for Blue Cross Blue Shield for over 25 years before retiring. She also served on several committees with her family, church, and community. For example, participating in the Annual Rooks-Allen Family Vacation-Reunions brought her sooo much joy and life! In 2008, Papa John and Grandma Opal moved to Bowie, Maryland to help raise a sprouting group of grandchildren and cousins. They wanted to spend their retirement years with their sons and extended family. On any given day, you could find them at a school, family, church event, or even going to the movies. Even with health challenges, Opal would find a way to attend key family events and would give thanks to God for blessing her with another day.
Overall, Opal dedicated the bulk of her life seeking to develop, nurture, and support strong-minded women of power and leadership. Opal always cared deeply for family, church, and the needs of others. Her light hearted spirit touched the lives of many. There are TOO MANY of y’all to name, so I won’t even try. But thank you for being in her life and allowing her to touch yours! Opal will be missed on earth but never forgotten in our hearts. Rest well with our Heavenly Father.
Grandma Opal leaves to cherish her loving life: three sons and two daughters-in-laws, John III & Valerie Swan, James & Dedra Swan, Jamel Swan; four grandchildren, Jaelyn Swan, Jordan Swan, Maya Swan, Rachel Swan; one brother and sister-in-law, Hobert Jr & Pearl Allen; sister-in-law, Evelyn Carswell; and a host of favorite nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, Keoki--our family cat, and Prince--our new family dog.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Opal J. Swan, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Gathering
Monday, September 21, 2020
11:00am - 12:00 pm (Eastern time)
Beall Funeral Home
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