Reflections on Opal’s Legacy

Opal Williams Jones, the second of four children born to Will Odell and Corine Laverne Moore Williams  was born September 8, 1923 in Jefferson, Texas.  She graduated from Booker T. Washington High School, Dallas, TX in May, 1940 and was one of the class speakers.  Later, she graduated from Phillips Business College in Dallas, Texas.

On May 16, 1942, Opal married Johnie B. Jones, who preceded her in death.  To this union, three girls were born, Sharon, Carolyn and Marilyn.

While Opal’s family played the major role in her life, she had a memorable career as a secretary with Dallas Independent School District.  She became an Executive Secretary and was soon recognized as one of the most respected and knowledgeable in the district. In 1992, although Opal had previously retired from the district, Assistant Superintendent Ruben Oliveras, selected her to train new secretaries and administrative assistants.  Dr. T.R. Lee and Opal took summer positions at North Texas State University (currently UNT), becoming the first African-American professionals to work at the university.  Additionally, Opal’s career included a position as the Society Editor for the Dallas Post Tribune, where she exhibited her many journalistic skills.  Those skills were further utilized when she was a regular contributor to her assisted living facilities’ monthly newsletter.

Opal is survived by her loving daughters, Sharon (Everette) Gray of Herndon, VA; Carolyn (William) Henderson of Dallas, TX and Marilyn Foster of Houston, TX; Brothers, J.W. (Esterlyn) Williams of Los Angeles, CA; Carl (Marie) Williams of Dallas, TX and Leonard Williams of Dallas, TX; Sister Linda Hardy of Dallas, TX; six grandchildren, two adopted granddaughters, eight great-grandchildren and a host of other relatives and friends.  Waiting to greet Opal in the loving arms of Jesus: husband, Johnie B. Jones, parents, Corine and Will Odell Williams and older brother, W.O. Williams.