Opal Corliss Neel

Opal Corliss Neel ( Payne), age 79, passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Born on June 16, 1946, in Tampa, Florida, Opal lived a life filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to her family and community. Opal was the beloved wife of Dewey Neel of Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Together they built a life rooted in warmth and generosity. They also built a business together, which their son runs now. She was a devoted mother to her son Mark Neel and his wife Tammy of Tulsa; Darron Neel and his Wife Jerri Neel of Glenpool: her daughter Cricket Hill and her husband Joel Hill of Tulsa; She was preceded in death by her cherished son Darron Neel. Her legacy continues through her grandchildren: Ashley Neel, Kasey Neel, Haley Neel, Anthony Neel, Kimberly Neel, Emily Hill, Hunter Hill, and Damon Hill.

She also leaves behind four great-grandchildren-Sadie, Elliott, Zoey, and Lainey-who brought immense joy to her later years. Opal is also remembered by her siblings: sisters Paula of Muskogee and Irene of Tahlequah, and her brother Michael of Tahlequah. She had a special bond with her extended family and helped raise numerous nieces and nephews who spent their summers with her. Her home was always open to neighborhood children as well-many of whom found comfort in her nurturing presence. A woman of many talents and passions, Opal loved to sew, crochet, and knit. Her creativity touched many lives-from sewing for her daughter's kindergarten class to crafting blankets, dolls, and socks as she taught herself to knit later in life. Her hands were rarely still; they were always busy making something beautiful for someone she loved. One treasured memory that lives on is the giant Raggedy Ann doll she made for Cricket when she was five years old-a heartfelt creation meant to help her daughter sleep in her own bed. That doll became a lasting symbol of Opal's love and remains with Cricket to this day. A humorous family story recalls the night Cricket left the doll sitting in a chair in the front room-only for Darron to wake the entire house thinking someone was watching him. It was just the doll-but it left the family with a memory they would laugh about for years. Opal enjoyed traveling with her family and grandchildren, many trips to Tunica to the casino, and a trip to see the ocean and walk on the beach, creating memories that spanned generations. She found joy in weekend visits to Tahlequah with her mother-times she often recalled as some of her happiest moments. Spending time with her sisters, brother, and nieces and nephews in Tahlequah was the happiest times for opal. Watching her sons race dirt track cars during the 1980s and 1990s brought excitement into her life; she was their biggest fan from the stands. Later in life, Opal found delight in casino trips with her sister-in-law Lois and eventually with Cricket-a pastime that brought laughter and lighthearted fun. Opal loved going to yard sales with Lois, and even her husband Dewey ion occasion. Every morning her husband Dewey had to drive her to get her morning coffee, and then they would go check out all the tire shops in the area, just spending time driving, because opal loved being out and riding around in the truck. But above all else, what Opal cherished most were the weekends when all her grandchildren stayed over at once. The sound of their late-night laughter echoing through the house brought her immeasurable happiness. Opal was preceded in death by her loving parents Dolores and Paul Payne. She often spoke of Tahlequah as "home," longing to return there one day. Now she rests peacefully where she always wanted to be-reunited with her beloved son Darron and dear mother Dolores. To those who knew Opal, she was more than just a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, or friend-she was a guiding light whose kindness shaped countless lives. Her door was always open, her heart even more so. May Opal's memory bring comfort to all who loved her. In her last months, weeks, and days, she spoke of going home to Tahlequah to be with her mom and her son. Today, she is finally home resting with her mom, and her son Darron.