Opal Parker

Opal Barnes Parker, 94, passed away on January 20, 2025, in Hot Springs, Arkansas. She was born on October 9, 1930, near Newport, Arkansas, to Carl and Cynthia Barnes. 

Opal was the oldest of six children and grew up in a time when hard work was a way of life. As a young girl. She helped her family pick cotton. She later moved to Hot Springs, where she married the love of her life, A.J. Parker. They enjoyed 55 years of marriage until his passing in 2009. 

Opal’s career included working as a waitress and later at Lakeside School Cafeteria, all while being a devoted homemaker. She loved to care for her family, often hosting gatherings and cooking for those she cherished. She was an avid gardener, enjoying time tending to her flower beds and animals on the farm. Opal was also a dedicated member of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church.

Her family will remember her as a tough, hardworking, and loving woman who gave so much to those around her. 

Opal is survived by her children James (Joy) Parker of Hot Springs, Donny Parker of Stuttgart, and Deborah (Bruce) Cozart of Hot Springs; her siblings, Herschel Barnes, Esther Faulk, Marilyn (Roger) Hathcock, Carolyn Slapnick, and sister-in-law Claudine Parker; Her grandchildren, Shawna (Jerry) Vaughn, Jeffery Parker, William (Kristen) Parker, Dana Curtis, Donna Renken, Trevor (Samantha) Cozart, and Cody (Sara) Cozart; 18 great-grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and a host of friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Carl and Cythia Barnes, her husband, A.J. Parker; her grandson, Brett Parker; her sister Wilma; and daughter- in-law, Sarah Parker. 

Pallbearers will be: Jeff Parker, Trevor Cozart, William Parker, Cody Cozart, Parker Cozart, and Steve Lewis. 

Honorary Pallbears: Dr. Scott Anderson, Members of Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church, Phillip and Naomi Jones, and Roger Hathcock.

Visitation will be Thursday, January 23, 2025 from 6:00-8:00pm at Smith Family Funeral Home - Hot Springs.

Funeral Services will be Friday, January 24, 2025 at 10:00am at Red Oak Missionary Baptist Church.

Burial will be at Fourche Loupe Cemetery. 

Guest Registry www.smithfamilycares.com