We are so lucky to have this wonderful resident of the month living with us! Opal went from being a faithful volunteer at Woodland Ridge to an eventual resident. For many years, she came to visit a neighbor that lived here, and she also came on Saturdays with a group from her church, King Springs Baptist, to visit residents. When she finally moved in, she was greeted by familiar faces.
Originally from Chatsworth, GA, Opal’s father was a Baptist preacher, and her mother worked at a Chenille fabric mill in Dalton. Even though her father wanted her to be an educator, Opal was more interested in becoming a nurse. She applied to the Georgia Baptist Hospital nursing program where she graduated as an RN. The hospitals that she worked at were Georgia Baptist, Piedmont and, eventually, Smyrna Adventist Hospital. She says that her favorite part of nursing was meeting new people. And, speaking of meeting new people… that is precisely how Opal met her husband, Lewis.
Her husband, Lewis, was visiting someone in the hospital while she was working. Lewis worked as a civil service employee in Disaster Preparedness which eventually took him to Dobbins Air Force Base. That is how Opal and Lewis ended up in Smyrna. Opal’s hobbies include counted cross stitch and, believe it or not, yard work. Eventually, she retired from nursing to take care of Lewis, after his Parkinson’s disease worsened. Opal is a real asset to our community. When asked about Woodland Ridge, her comment was, “I’m glad there is a place like this”. Well, Opal, we are glad there are residents like YOU!
We are so glad to have Opal as part of our Woodland Ridge family. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to learn about our wonderful residents and their interesting lives!
- Eating Right is Eating Well - March 15, 2019
- Ginger – March Resident of the Month - March 1, 2019
- Tracy Williams – March Employee of the Month - March 1, 2019
