Opal Lee Jones Shipps

Opal Lee Jones Shipps, 'Grandma Tootsie,' was born on September 6, 1918, in Hooker, Oklahoma, and departed this life on Tuesday, February 17, 2009, in Shawnee, Oklahoma, at the age of 90. Opal, the daughter of Richard Monroe and Mary Susan Massa Jones, was a longtime resident of Shawnee. She received a bachelor of arts degree from Panhandle State College of Oklahoma. She married James Clifton Shipps, Jr., on March 31, 1944 in Kansas. He preceded her in death on September 15, 1964. Opal taught business courses at Macomb High School for many years and was a member of Family of Faith in Shawnee. Her parents; one daughter, Pamela Sue Hall; one brother; two sisters; and one grandson, Michael Alverson, also preceded Opal in death. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Sandie and Dr. Gary Alverson of Shawnee, Kathy and Dr. Sam Matthews of Shawnee; grandchildren, Braeden and Marcia Alverson, Rachel and Justin Robbins, Chrissie and Chris Belyeu, Joel and Amelia Hall, Jonathan Hall and Rene Thomas, Daniel and Yasha Matthews, Nathan Matthews; great-grandchildren, Josiah and Abigal Alverson, Grace Belyeu, Kalen, Ashlyn, and Lani Matthews, Haley and Ashley Thomas; four nephews; and one niece. Memorials may be made to the Family of Faith Mission Fund, P.O. Box 1442, Shawnee, Oklahoma, 74804. Viewing and visitation will be at Parks Brothers Funeral Chapel in Meeker on Thursday, February 19, from 9:00 AM until 8:00 PM, and Friday, February 20, from 9:00 to 11:00 AM. Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 20, 2009 at 1:30 PM, at Family of Faith in Shawnee with Dr. Sam Matthews officiating. Interment will follow at New Hope Cemetery in Meeker.