Opal Lanell Park, 89, of Clyde died Friday, January 17, 2020 in a Clyde nursing home. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at the Potosi Cemetery with Ambrosia Montoya officiating under the direction of Bailey Howard Funeral Home of Clyde.

Winston Churchill once said, "We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give." If that is true, then Nell made a great life. She was one of the most God fearing praying women I have known.

Opal Lanell was born July 20, 1930 in Hodges. The first child of Coley Calvert and Zora Agnes (Jones) Sheppard. They lived in Hamby making a few moves before they settled in Cross Plains.

While attending church in Cross Plains she met Edward Eugene Park. They married June 9, 1948. They were blessed with four children; Collena Barnes, Donna Bearden, Jerry Park and Jacqueline Pippin, and two foster children, Angie Pippin and Jeff Finn and one honorary daughter, Sandra Cobb. Later on, Nell and Edward would go on to be blessed with 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

While being a loving mother and a Pastor's wife, she also worked for the City of Clayton, North Carolina and Piece Goods of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her hobbies included fishing, sewing, gardening, going to church, spending time with her family and cooking.

Nell was well known for her walk with God and for being a vessel for the Lord to use. Throughout her life she would introduce countless people to God and teach them to pray and seek God in their life. She had a way with people like no other and while she was well versed with her Bible, nell would use songs to relay teachings and encouragement to others. There was a song for everything, no matter the situation. She would often say she couldn't hold a tune in a bucket, but I can't ever recall a time that she didn't sound lovely.

Our precious Nell was preceded in death by her loving husband of 66 years, Edward Eugene Park; her parents Coley and Zora Sheppard; her daughter, Collena Barnes; her grandson, Jonathan McVay and her granddaughter, Karalynn Finn.

She is survived by her children, Donna Bearden and husband Jerry, Jerry Park and wife Jama, Jacqueline Pippin and husband Glen, Jeff Finn and wife Sandra, Angie Pippin and husband Gordon, Sandra Cobb; one sister, Fay Decker; 23 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.

Anyone wishing to make a memorial donation in her memory may do so to Hendrick Hospice Care or to the charity of your choice.