Opal Wilder

Opal (Hurst) Wilder, age 94, went to her heavenly home on Monday, May 22, 2023.  She was born on April 21, 1929, in Middlesboro, Kentucky.  She was the daughter of the late Rev. John W. and Myrtle Hurst.

Opal was the most precious mother who dedicated her life to her family.  She had the sweetest spirit and was a joy to be around.  She was most content when her home was filled with family and friends.  She will be truly missed by us all. 

In addition to her father and mother, Opal was preceded in death by her husband of sixty-three years, Charles Doice Wilder; a daughter, Arlene Wilder; a son, Michael “Mikey” Wilder; sisters Elsie Hurst and Hazel Osborne; and grandchildren Stephanie Smith, Eric Smith, Mark Smith, and Jessica Wilder. 

Opal is survived by her brother, Danny (Veda) Hurst; her children, Geri (John) Ravnum, of Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, David (Linda) Wilder, of Paintsville, Kentucky, Debbie Good, of Harrogate, Tennessee, Sheron (Donnie) Smith, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, Tim (Lynn) Wilder, of Middlesboro, Kentucky, and Greg (Teresa) Wilder, of Middlesboro, Kentucky; grandchildren, Brad Wilder, Brent Wilder, Dave Wilder, Shannon Glenn, Adam Good, Matthew Smith, Brooke Messer, Stephanie Treadway, Kacey Scott, and Lauren West; and eleven great-grandchildren.  Also left to cherish her memory are her special friend, Nina Mayes, who she loved like a sister and a host of other family members and friends. 

The family of Opal Wilder will receive friends on Thursday, May 25, 2023 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the Cawood Funeral Home Chapel, Middlesboro, Kentucky.  A funeral service will immediately follow, with Reverend Jeremy Glenn presiding.  Music will be provided by Opal’s granddaughter, Shannon Glenn and Eddie and Judy Adkins.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, May 26, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. in the Good Cemetery, in the Hutch community of Middlesboro, Kentucky. 

Pallbearers will be Dave Wilder, Austin Wilder, Hunter Wilder, Brad Wilder, Adam Good, and William Osborne.  Honorary pallbearer will be Danny Hurst. 

Online register book and condolences are available at www.cawoodfh.com.

All arrangements for Opal Wilder are under the care of Cawood Funeral Home, Middlesboro, Kentucky.

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