In Loving Memory of Opal Brand

Opal Marie Brand, 70, of Wilburton, Oklahoma entered the arms of Jesus on Monday, December 18, 2023 in Fort Smith, Arkansas.

A viewing will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 22, 2023 at Waldrop Funeral Home.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Bowers Baptist Church in Wilburton, Oklahoma with Rev. Randy Waldrop officiating.

Pallbearers will be Brandon Hendrix, Tim Peden, Michael Owens, Noah Hendrix, Chas Peden, and Roger Fassio.

Opal was born April 11, 1953 to Austin and Paralee (Hales) Long in Rankin County Mississippi. She married Ruel Brand on January 24, 1974.

Opal was a member of Bowers Baptist Church where she served in the Women’s ministry. She loved her church family. She was an avid traveler and especially loved taking cruises. She tried to take at least one of her grandkids on a trip each year. Her favorite time of the year was Christmas. She always made an impact wherever she would go, making friends with everyone she encountered. Opal loved Jesus.

She is survived by her children: Rocky Brand of Ragley, Louisiana, Tasia Peden and her husband, Tim of Wister, Oklahoma, and Carissa Hendrix and her husband, Brandon of Wilburton, Oklahoma; grandchildren: Selena Brand of Texas, Christina Martin of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Ashley and Michael Owens of Fredrick, Oklahoma, Noah Hendrix and Emma Hendrix of Wilburton, Oklahoma, and Chas Peden of Wister, Oklahoma; and her sister, Carolyn Merritt of Gadsden, Alabama.

Opal is preceded in death by her husband, Ruel Brand; son, Richard Brand; parents: Austin and Paralee Long; brothers: Ed Long and Thomas Hollingsworth; and sisters: Joyce Tierce and Sandra Millis.

Opal’s life was a testament to the power of love and dedication. Her kind spirit touched the lives of all who knew her. She will be dearly missed by many.