Opal Patterson

PEORIA - Mrs. Opal Lee Patterson, 79, of 415 W. Sam J. Stone Ave. in Peoria, Ill., passed away quietly at her home on Tuesday, March 6, 2012.

Opal was born on April 2, 1932, in Monroe City, Mo., to James and Beulah (Johnson) Miles. She married Aaron Dothard, and to that union nine children were born. She later married Alfred Patterson on March 28, 1967, at Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church.

Opal leaves to rejoice in her memories, her loving husband for more than 44 years, Alfred Patterson of Peoria; seven children, Aaron Dothard Jr. of East Moline, Ill., Carol Dothard of Peoria, Danny (Angie) Dothard of Davenport, Iowa, Elaine (Arthur) Dothard of Stamford, Conn., Frederick Dothard, Gregory (Pat) Dothard and Herman Dothard, all of Peoria; one stepdaughter, Cassandra (Robert) Harris of Peoria; one sister, Evelyn Owens of Rock Island; two brothers, Herman (Dorothy) Miles of Columbia, Mo., and Clayton (Barbara) of Monroe City, Mo.; 14 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends and her Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church family.

She was preceded in death by her parents and two sons, Baron and Ivan Dothard.

Opal worked at the Peoria County Health Department for a number of years, at Fashion 220 as a cosmetics consultant, at Mary Kay and was a homemaker.

Opal was a great conversationalist and social butterfly. She met no strangers.

Opal was a member of Ward Chapel A.M.E. for more than 50 years, where she served as an usher and steward.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at her church, with a visitation one hour prior beginning at 10 a.m. Pastor Elaine Walters will officiate. Opal will be laid to rest in Lutheran Cemetery. Simons Mortuary has been entrusted with arrangements.