(870) 483-6313 (870) 483-6311

Opal Lee Brown
February 7, 1924 - August 27, 2016

Mrs. Opal Lee Brown of Trumann departed this life Saturday, August 27, 2016 at North Delta Hospice in Southaven, MS at the age of 92 years, 6 months and 20 days. She was born Thursday, February 7, 1924 in Trumann and had lived most of her life in Trumann and Jonesboro area. Mrs. Brown was retired from East Arkansas Area on Aging and a member of the First Baptist Church in Trumann since she was 7 years old. She was preceded in death by her husband, Melvin Brown, Sr; one son, Don Brown; 3 sisters, 2 brothers and her parents, Ira and Robbie Leg Cockrum. She is survived by one daughter, Erma (Carlton) Ashley of Southaven, MS; one son, Dr. Melvin (Becky) Brown of Conroe, TX; two sisters, Tommie Crouch of Trumann and Unia McBride of Washington, IL; 6 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral service will be Thursday evening at First Baptist Church, 1301 Highway 69 in Trumann at 6:00 p.m. with Dr. Melvin Brown officiating. Graveside service will be Friday morning at 10:00 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jonesboro under the direction of Thompson Funeral home of Trumann. Visitation will be Thursday evening from 5 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 1301 Highway 69 in Trumann. The family requests memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 575, Trumann, AR 72472.An online register book can be signed at www.thompsonfuneralhome.net.

 Print Obituary

Service details

Funeral Service

September 1, 2016
06:00 AM

First Baptist Church
1301 Highway 69 West
Trumann, AR 72472

Get Directions on Google Maps
 Print Guestbook
  1. Susan Young Walters, Conway ,AR 7234 says

    So difficult to put into words how she will be missed! I credit her with teaching me about the Bible and the love of Jesus in my life'! She was my Sunday school teacher more than once when I lived in Trummann all those years I was growing up! She was a Godly woman who lived her Christian life each day, influencing so many young people to live for Jesus! I truly admire her and all off her wonderful family who turned out great and living for God and serving others '! Erma Lou I am so sorry for your loss of each of your parents ! They were loved by so many especially mine . If you need anything call and I am free to talk or what ever would help! Just know I loved her too along with most of the kids our age ??

  2. Calvin Perkins, Fayetteville, Tn formerly says

    To the family,I worked with Mrs. Brown at Walker that became Lincoln. She was one of the hardest workers in the plant and always at work. Always smiling and always on the positive side! She really has a desire to help others. I was sorry to hear this news and our thoughts and prayers are with the family.Sincerely,Calvin Perkins

  3. Teri Young Borton, Pensacola Beach, FL says

    Beautiful smile and gentle spirit! Opal Lee always gave me a big hug on Sundays at First Baptist Church.... treasured childhood memories of a wonderful lady. So sorry for the loss of your sweet mother. Teri Young Borton

  4. Ron and Linda (Robertson) Erwin, Jonesboro, AR says

    Erma Lou and Melvin, we are so sorry to hear about the loss of your precious mother. I have nothing but sweet memories of your mom. She was always so nice to me. I can remember some fun times with the First Street group. Ron met your mom when she was working at Lincoln. He would always make a point to check on your mom when he would go out in the factory. They shared the same birthday so they always wished each other a happy birthday. Your mom was such an awesome lady and we were so blessed by having known her. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. Our love to the family, Ron and Linda

  5. Jeanne Allen, Locust Grov,e Virginia says

    My mother, Marie Willoughby Treadway (whose first husband was a Cockrum), and I visited Trumann many years ago, and we visited your mother, and also your grandparents. I remember how much she and Opal Lee enjoyed each other's company, and how welcoming she was. My mother has been gone since 1991, but I know she would want me to let you know that even though the marriage did not last, your mother and many in the Cockrum family remained special to her.

  6. Ken Allen, Batesville, Ar says

    Mel and Erma, Becky and I send our condolences for your loss, but we do know she is in a better place. She was an Angel on Earth.

  7. Larry Shirley, Bartlett, TN says

    My sincere condolence to all the family and friends of Mrs. Brown. What an outstanding person she was.

  8. Denise Dorton, Little Rock says

    My condolences on the loss of your dear mother and grandmother. She was a steadfast part of my life while growing up at First Baptist Church and a fine Christian example for everyone who knew her. Her wonderful smile is unforgettable.

  9. Brenda McAnally Chaffin , says

    Erma , Mel and family you have my deepest sympathy in the loss of your sweet mother. Prayers for you and much love. Brenda Chaffin

  10. Scott Stephan, Olive Branch, MS says

    Loved Mrs. Opal Lee! She always had a smile on her face. She will be missed.

  11. Johanna Brown, Eden says

    Dear Melvin JR and Erma, I'm so glad I got a chance to see Aunt Opal Lee three yrs.ago. You miss family when you live so faraway, but family like Aunt Opal Lee stayin your memory. She was such a big partof my life when we were kids. She taughtme how to iron, and to love peanut butter and banana, and onion sandwiches. I can't help but smile when I think of her. Thinking of all of you, knowing God will provide the strength you need. Love you, Joann

  12. Darline Nance Casey, Memphis, Tn says

    My deep sympathy. I knew your mother, Don & you all my youth years. Love Darline

  13. Kenny White, Memphis, TN says

    Dear Erma,So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. Our prayers are with you at this difficult time.Kenny White Nell White

  14. Kay Howard, Jonesboro, AR says

    I worked with Opal Lee when she worked at the East Arkansas Area Agency on Aging. She was a very sweet and kind person, always had a smile.

  15. Mary Lee Brick Cunningham, Jonesboro says

    My condolences to the family of the dear, dear lady. Opal Lee was a good neighbor to my Grandma & Grandpa Parrish, and I spend lots of time across the street from the Browns when young. I NEVER heard an unkind or bad word come from this lady. She had a humility and graciousness that all of us would do well to emulate. May God bless the family and friends she leaves behind.

  16. Gary Russell, Trumann At says

  17. Ron & Kay Lynn Massey, Jonesboro says

    Melvin, Erma Lou so sorry for your loss. Your Mother was a wonderful person and loved by all that knew her. Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you grieve for your Mother.

  18. Lula Smith Duncan, Booneville Ms says

    So sorry to hear about Mrs Opal. She was always so sweet. I haven't seen her in years but I remember her from when I was growing up in Trumann. May God bring comfort to you. You are in my prayers. Lula Faye

  19. Lynn (Parnell) Osment, Trumann, AR. 72472 says

    Each of you are in my thoughts and prayers.

  20. Sandy Underwood, Thayer, Mo. says

    Sorry to hear of Opal Lee's passing. I am Pete Willoughby's daughter and I remember her from my younger days and hearing my dad speak highly of her! Prayers to all the family.

  21. Jim and Myra (White) Osment, Germantown, Tn says

    So sorry for you loss. She will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and yours.

  22. Cheryl Treadway, Winchester, Virginia says

    I am sorry to hear of the passing of Opal. I remember visiting her with my mother, Marie (Willoughby) Treadway many years ago. A truly lovely woman. May she rest in heavenly peace.

  23. Dorothy and Junior Byford, Jonesboro, AR. says

    So sorry for the loss of your Mom.

  24. Jackie Rives McBride, Jonesboro AR says

    I have precious memories of times spent with Mrs. Brown and the Brown kids on First Street. She was always a gracious and humble mother who loved her family and was so kind to their friends. My condolences to Erma Lou and Melvin.

  25. Susie Williams Dent, Saltillo, MS (formerly from Trumann) says

    My condolences to all of the family. Praying that you will find peace during your loss. God bless you all.

Sign Guest Book