Opal E. Heflin

Mrs. Opal E. Heflin, beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother left this world to join her heavenly Father on October 8th, 2011.
Opal was born in Philadelphia, MS on November 6th, 1927. She was a longtime resident of Gulfport, having moved to that city with her husband, J.C. Heflin and their children in 1956. She and J.C. (and their dear friends, Kenneth and Viola Nicholson) owned and operated Deluxe Cleaners on Courthouse Road until their retirement 20 years ago. ""Miss Opal"", as she was known to her many friends and customers at Deluxe, was the seamstress that altered clothes for many of the folks in Bayou View and was always in the window inside the cleaners to greet everyone that came in.
Her warm smile as she looked up from her sewing machine was one of her greatest attributes, and she will be remembered by many as the lady who brightened their day.
Opal's greatest source of pride was her family, and she was quick to list the accomplishments of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. ""Mamaw"", as she was called by the entire family, lived to love her family and did so regardless of her health or what was going on in her life, and she managed to keep up with all the family activities until recently.
Opal was a long time member of Handsboro Baptist Church and had been active there until her health began to decline. Her many friends made through her church affiliation visited her often when she was no longer able to attend services.
Opal was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years, J.C. Heflin, and her parents, Chandler Harbour and Ruby Denson.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her children, Larry (Martha) Heflin, Judy (Kim) Savant, and Mike (Cheri) Heflin, her grandchildren, Brandi Savant, Brad Heflin, Kasey (Billy) Kelley, and J.C. Heflin, and her great grandchildren, Kimberlee, Kaegan, and Kamden Kelley, and Presley Savant, all of Gulfport. Opal is also survived by a brother, Klein (Mary) Harbour of Jackson.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations to the American Diabetes Association, 2644 Sherwood Forest Blvd., Suite 122, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or the American Cancer Society, 417 Security Square, Gulfport, MS 39507.
Visitation will be Monday, October 10, 2011 from 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm at the RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, 11280 Three Rivers Road, Gulfport. The funeral service will be Tuesday at 11 am in the funeral home chapel.
Interment will be in Floral Hills Memorial Gardens.
Tributes may be offered at www.riemannfamily.com