Obituary of Opal Evans

SHREVEPORT, LA - Opal Mitchell Evans, age 83, of Shreveport, LA passed away on May 19, 2008. She was born on October 16, 1924 in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, graduating from Pine Bluff High School in 1942. She became a switchboard operator at the local phone company in Pine Bluff, later moving to Pensacola, FL, Jackson, MS, and finally settling in Shreveport in 1960. She worked for Pickett Food Service and retired as office manager for a local psychiatrist. Opal was an avid quilter, a long-time member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church, and a lifetime member of the United Methodist Women. Preceeding her in death were her father, Rufus P. Mitchell, her mother, Elizabeth H. Mitchell, her brother, George E. Mitchell, and her son-in-law, James A. Pigott. Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Bunky and Arden Evans, of Ringgold, LA; her daughter, Beth Pigott, of Shreveport; her brother and sister-in-law, Emil and Nina Mitchell, of Pine Bluff; and her sister-in-law, Louise Mitchell, of Hot Springs. Other survivors are grandsons Lesley B. Evans, Preston S. Evans and wife Andrea, and Russell W. Crews; granddaughter, Leann R. Crews; step-grandsons Philip A. Pigott and wife Jamie, and Bryan C. Pigott and wife Stephanie; great-grandchildren Ainsley Evans, Bryson Evans, Victoria Evans and Skylar Evans. She also leaves behind two nephews and a niece, whom she cherished. By donating her body for scientific research, Opal hoped to be of some help to others suffering from the same rare cancer. A private graveside memorial will be held at a later date. The family requests that donations be made to Grace Home, Christus Schumpert Medical Center, 1035 Margaret Place, Shreveport, LA 71101 in her honor. Special thanks go out to loving neighbors, Leighton and Kathy Warren, and to the caring staff at Grace Home.