Opal Harrelson Durrence

Opal Harrelson Durrence, a beloved matriarch and cherished friend, departed this world on July 24, 2025, at Memorial Health University Medical Center in Savannah, Georgia. Born on August 11, 1948, in Baxley, Georgia, to Lonnie Henry and Alberta Anderson Harrelson, Opal graced her family and friends with her vibrant spirit, unwavering kindness, and a delightful sense of humor throughout her life.

A proud graduate of Reidsville High School, class of 1966, Opal dedicated most of her professional journey to the Tattnall County Board of Education as a school bus driver. For an impressive 31 years, ensuring the safe passage of countless children. Her nurturing and dependable nature was also reflected in her time spent working with First Citizens Bank.

Opal's work ethic was a testament to her character, yet it was perhaps her role as a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that brought her the greatest joy. She was immensely proud of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and her love for them was unparalleled. Opal loved engaging in her favorite pastime, testing the icing on any cake with her finger that was within reach and teaching her grands to do the same. Her culinary skills were legendary, as she took great pleasure in teaching her children and great-grandchildren her infamous baking tricks, nurturing their love for cooking and creating in the kitchen.

Her passion extended beyond baking; Opal cherished the simple joys of life, from farming and picking up eggs, to spending precious moments with her family. A lifelong member of Pineview Baptist Church, Opal's faith was a guiding light in her life, and she engaged deeply with her community through it.

She is preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Linda Day and brother, Lonnie Harrelson.

Opal leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved sons, Mark Durrence (Tammy) and Johnny Durrence (Elaine), loving siblings, Jeannie Kirkland (Jerry) of Brunswick, Georgia, Duane Harrelson of Reidsville, Georgia, Denise Harrelson of Reidsville, Georgia, sister-in-law, Carole Harrelson of Reidsville, Georgia. Her precious grandchildren, Amanda Reynolds (Bobby), Amber Lively (Eli), April McBroom (Mickey), Dylan Durrence (Haley), Skylar Gordon (Tyler), Charla Durrence, the apples of her eye, her great grandchildren, Brycen, Liam, Eleanor, Colton, Baxleigh, Henry, Clayton and a special nephew, Gene Day. Numerous nieces, nephews and cousins also survive.

Visitation will begin at 10:00 am, Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Pineview Baptist Church with funeral services to follow at 11:00 am. Burial will be in Pineview Baptist Church Cemetery.

Remembrances may be made to: Pineview Baptist Church 3386 Wren Dowdy Road, Reidsville, GA 30453.

Care and Services are entrusted to Brannen Family Funeral Services, Glennville, Georgia. "Our Family Serving Your Family"