Ophelia Betty Lou Gray Blanton

Ophelia Betty Lou Gray Blanton was born January 1, 1936, in Mount Holly, Arkansas. She was the second of 3 children. Her parent Lewis and Eutevy Gray, her husband, Lester Blanton, Sister Earline Phillips and 1^st grandson Ren Wells all proceeded her in death.

Ophelia’s mother was a very religious person and followed the word of God closely. She trained each of her children in the ways of the Lord. Ophelia was baptize and surrendered to Jesus Christ at an early age in New Hope Baptist Church. Ophelia followed her mother’s leadership, taught Sunday school, Missionary Class, song in choirs, and dedicated herself to assisting where needed in the house of the Lord.

Ophelia graduated from New Hope High School in 1955 and attended college until 1957. She moved to Kansas to live with her aunt and uncle. Ophelia was eager to experience the city life and leave the country. While in Kansas she met the love of her life and 3 months later married and united together for 49 years. To this union was born 1 son, Kenneth Blanton, 3 daughters, Genea Miller of Hatboro, PA, Cathy (Thomas) Owens – Golden, Debra (Bernard) Dorsey of Aurora CO.

Ophelia lived in Denver CO for many years (1958- 1994) they raised all their children in Colorado and was adamant about each one receiving a high school diploma. Ophelia worked in the kitchen of serveral businesses and health care facilities. She landed a job with the well-known Denver Dry Good Store and work as a baker in the Tea Room for 17 years. She then moved on to Oak Hurst Senior Retirement Home where she worked as a cook and baker up until she retired.

Ophelia and her husband made the decision to return to Arkansas to care for her aging mother. .Upon Lester’s retirement they were back where she desired to be. Back in the country. Lester would often say “ You can take the girl out of the country but you can’t take the country out of the girl”.

While living in Arkansas they care for her mother as the Lord saw fit. After the passing of her mother she and Lester traveled to may states, California, Pennsylvania, Chicago, Washington DC, Maryland, Kansas, New Mexico, Los Vegas, Oklahoma, Texas and of course they return to the Colorado Rockies most of these trips were by vehicle.

Ophelia also contributed to the raising of some of her grandchildren. The first to come was Ren then Dominiqua,  and Christopher. Dominiqua remained as to other returned to the city. Danille , Destini and Elizabeth often spent summers with Ophelia and Lester and each made the amazing road trips with them.

When Lester took ill and passed away Ophelia packed up the house and headed back to CO as Lester had requested. She journeyed in the city for 2 years and truly her heart was back in the woods.

Ophelia insisted on returning to Mount Holley her homeland. She and her son Kenneth made the road trip back to Arkansas. Later her daughter Cathy would also move to Arkansas to see that her mother was properly cared for. 

Ophelia resided in the home her father and mother purchased and her granddaughter Michele (Michael) surprisingly had restored. She loved being in the country. Ophelia was not fearful of nothing or no one.

Ophelia loved on all her (7) grand children. Each one had a special place within her. Ophelia was blessed to see, hold and love all her great grandchildren. She has a total of 13.

Ophelia took a fall in December of 2019. Due to this injury, Ophelia moved in with her daughter and son in-law. When she recovered from the injury she decided to stay in Camden Arkansas. She got an apartment. She was content living alone, just her and her word search books.

If you knew Ophelia you know she was a mother to many. She loved loving on people. Ophelia would quickly have you laughing while she mysteriously drew you near and dear to her heart.

She leaves to cherish her brother Marshall Lee Gray, her children, Kenneth Blanton,  Genea Miller, Cathy Owens and Debra Dorsey, 6 grandchildren and 13 great grand children and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

Friends and family are encouraged to sign the guestbook and view the Images of Life DVD at Williams Funeral Home Van Buren in Camden on Friday, February 12, 2021 from 2:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, February 13, 2021 on the campus of New Hope Baptist Church in Mt. Holly with Rev. Jerry Miller, officiating.