Opal Rushing Smith

Opal Rushing Smith, age 84, passed away on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, in Biloxi, MS. Opal was born April 22, 1941 in Tylertown, MS to Milton and Merle Rushing. She lived a life marked by creativity, deep faith, and profound love for her family and others.

Opal was known as a gifted artist whose bright, vibrant, and colorful paintings impacted the lives of so many. Her work was not only a reflection of her talent, but also her strong spiritual foundation. Through her creativity, she shared hope, beauty, and her love for God with all who encountered her work.

Opal will be remembered as a woman who was smart, compassionate, loving, funny and full of life. She had a radiant presence she was beautiful, joyful, and brought life into every room she entered. Above all, she was a devoted wife, loving mother, a proud grandmother and great grandmother, and a cherished friend to many.

Opal’s life was a testament to her strong faith, which remained a guiding force throughout her life. Her legacy lives on through her family, her art, and the countless lives she touched with her kindness, faith, and vibrant spirit.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, L. Gary Smith; a sister, Gloria Rushing Fortenberry; brothers, Douglas Rushing, Reid Rushing and Bruner Rushing.

She is survived by her two daughters and one son, Kathy Walley (James), Billy Jay McNeil, Jr, (Kimberly) and Kelly Jones; eight grandchildren, Jennifer Opal Turek (Troy), Wesley O. Harvey, III (Casey); Joshua B. McNeil, Kaleigh Jones (Jake), Brooks A. Jones, Sullivan C. Jones, Gary Walley (Angela), Matthew Walley (JiHea); three sisters, Alice Faye Johnson (Jim), Kay Newman, and Tanya Poiroux (Ken); her step children, James Gary Smith and Kendall Smith; 6 great grandchildren.

Visitation will be Tuesday, April 14, 2026, 10:00-12noon, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula.  Funeral Service will begin at 12 noon in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Dennis Ray Smith officiating.

Interment will follow at Serenity Memorial Gardens in Theodore, AL.   In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Baptist Church in Pascagoula or Alzheimer’s Foundation of American, 322 Eighth Avenue, 16th Floor, New York, MY 10001.  www.alzsfdn.org

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