Obituary of Opealean Jacobs Smith

Ms. Opealean Jacobs Smith was born on August 13, 1924, to the late Thomas and Ora Jones Jacobs in Longview, Texas. For many years, she worked in the retail industry as well as providing in-home childcare for infants and small children. In her spare time, she loved gardening, quilting, spending time with her family, playing spades and dressing up in fashionable clothing especially skirts and jewelry. In her late 70’s, she enrolled in El Centro College where she received her associate degree in Computer Technology in 2006. With a GPA of 3.81, she was also a member of Phi Theta Карpа - Sigma Tau Honor Society, an international organization of high-achieving college students with a 3.5 or higher GPA.

She was preceded in death by her parents, daughters Gussie Smith-Heath and Corine Smith, grandson, Glenn Johnson. She leaves to cherish her memories: one son, Thomas King and three daughters, Robbie Johnson, Jessie Smith and Diane Searcy. Her grandchildren Michelle, Felicia, Pamela, Dennis, Terreonce, Augusta (Suzanne), Gigi (John Sr), Warren (Delia), Roderick, Vanda (Lonnie III), Brandy (Willie), Rechelle (Damian) and a host of great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, great-great-great grandchildren, relatives and friends.

She was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and an epitome of a friend. She did not meet a stranger. She opened the door to her home to many children in the neighborhood. She was longingly known to everyone as MaDear. She was a beautiful person inside and out. Most of all she was a God-fearing, Christian woman. A few years ago, her health declined and on Monday, November 28, 2022, God sent His angels to guide her home at 6:40 am. May MaDear rest in paradise as we hold memories of her in our hearts.