WATKINS, Opal Hamblen
Source: The Neighbor, September 1, 1999, pg A3
WILLIAMSPORT — Opal L. (Hamblen) Watkins, 91, Williamsport, died at 5:10 p.m. Aug. 26, 1999, at Home Hospital, Lafayette, where she had been a patient since Aug. 15. She had been in failing health for the past three years. Born Sept. 28, 1907, in Attica, she was the daughter of Jesse E. and Elmyra Lewis Hamblen. She married Beverly G. Watkins Sept. 25, 1929, in LaPorte, who survives. She graduated from Attica High School in 1927. She owned and operated the Mode-O-Day Dress Shop in Attica for several years. She had also served as a receptionist and hostess at the Attica Hotel for many years. She was a member of the Williamsport United Methodist Church. She was alos sa member of th Garden Club, the Pythian Sisters, Business and Professional Women's Club. She and her husband initiated the Meals on Wheels Program at the Williamsport-Attica Senior Center's ABC Club. Survivors, besides her husband of 70 years, include: son, Edward L. (Lucille) Watkins, Williamsport; daughter, Joan E. (Martin) Grose, Grandview; sisters, Josephine Pickrell, Williamsport and Louise Kunts of East St. Louis, Ill.; seven grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Richard C., a brother, Joseph Hamblen, two sisters, Viola Hamblen and Mable Means, and a great-great grandson. Funeral services were 4 p.m. on Aug. 29 at Fisher Funeral Home in Williamsport with Rev. Charles B. Anderson officiating. Burial followed in Highland Cemetery. Memorial donations can be made to the Alzheimers Association. – jlr