Opal Dries

1942 - 2024

Opal Dries, a vibrant soul who filled any room with her charisma and infectious smile died peacefully at the age of 81 on March 27, 2024.

Born on July 25, 1942, in Memphis, TN, Opal lived a life brimming with kindness and a zest for life. Her smile, warmth and generosity touched everyone she met, leaving a legacy filled with love and laughter. A native Memphian and proud graduate of Treadwell High School.

Opal lived a full life parenting five children and while working and staying actively involved in the community. She was an originating board member for the Gaisman Park Sports Association providing organized sports leagues for neighborhood youth. Over the years she was involved in coaching youth sports and helped to shape the lives of hundreds of children in her community through participation in sports.

Opal also found time to become an entrepreneur, starting and running a successful tax service with hundreds of dedicated clients across the Mid-South. While success followed her in business and community involvement, her true passion was displaying her many talents singing, dancing, and playing the piano. Opal sang backup in local Memphis studios during the late 50's for several noted artists. She was an active board member for Memphis area BOP clubs for several years and has been inducted into the National BOP Hall of Fame in Jacksonville, FL.

Opal is preceded in death by husband Anthony (Tony) Dries and son Frank Dries and survived by four children Terri (Ron Privette), Tim (Angie), Lori, John (Sandra). She is also survived by seven grandchildren Joshua (Laura), Jacob (Clarissa), Britney Ryan (Nick), Amber Poley (Daniel), Amanda Fowler (Daniel), Chance Privette (Maisy), Max Privette, Anna Dries and fifteen great-grandchildren.

The family would also like to provide a special mention to Troy Nixon for being Opal's dance partner and life companion during her most difficult years.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her name to the local Memphis chapter of the Alzheimer's Association.

Rest in Peace Mom, your spirit and the gift you gave to so many of love and laughter will live on.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, April 6 at 12:00 p.m. with a funeral service at 1:00 p.m. all in the Riverside Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119. (901) 767-8930.