Opal Janice Davis

March 15, 1932

Jan. 4, 2018

Opal Janice Davis (Heath), 85, of Noel, died Jan. 4, 2018, in her home.

She was born in Joplin to Elwood and Opal Allen on March 15, 1932. She graduated from Carthage High School. She married Gene A. Davis on Dec. 24, 1952, in Carthage. She received degrees in education and art from the University of Missouri and Tulsa University, as well as a master’s degree in special education from Northeastern University in Tahlequah, Okla. She was an art, English and special education teacher for 58 years and also taught English language learners. She taught in public schools in Tulsa and Jay, Okla., and in Noel. She enjoyed cross stitching and sewing clothes for her daughters and granddaughter. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and sang in church choirs.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother; her husband; and one grandson.

She is survived by daughters, Melissa Davis Stratton (Ron) of Bella Vista, Ark., and Mary Davis Coulston (Philip) of Loveland, Colo.; a son, Gregory Allen Davis of Noel; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held at 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 11, at the United Methodist Church in Noel.

Arrangements are by Ozark Funeral Homes of Noel.