June 3 1925 July 23 2019
Opal Marie Scott-Brown, 94, of Normal passed through the gates on Tuesday, July 23, 2019 at Advocate BroMenn Medical Center in Normal. Her visitation will be from 4-6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 28, 2019 at Kibler-Brady-Ruestman Memorial Home in Bloomington. A private family entombment will be held at Park Hill Mausoleum. Opal was born on June 3, 1925 to Ralphie and Etta Caroline Smith in Frederick, Illinois. She married Charles R. Scott of Bellflower on November 25, 1944. They had three children, Ralph Scott (deceased), Carolyn Gatenby of Normal and Tena (Michael) Fowler with whom she shared a home with since 1988. In January 1965, she married Arthur A. Brown, they shared 39 years together before his death in 2004. Opal is survived by her siblings, Robert (Linda) Smith of Morton, Rowena Brooks of Mesa, AZ, Gerald (Charlotte) Smith of Eureka and Linda Greeson of Indianapolis, IN; daughters, Carolyn and Tena of Normal; daughter-in-law, Sharon Scott of Chillicothe; grandson, Ted (Shilee) Fowler of Normal; granddaughter, Teresa (James Lindsay) Hudak of Normal; great grandchildren, Gage Rees, Keegan Fowler, Piper Fowler and Emily Hudak and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son, Ralph Scott and son-in-law, James Gatenby. Opal graduated from Bloomington High School in 1943 and immediately went to work at LeTraunear Tractor in Peoria building heavy equipment for war during 1943-44. She held several jobs throughout her life; registered beautician, meat department for Kroger, cleaned homes and babysat children. In 1961, she started at General Electric in the factory and retired from the engineering department in June 1984. Later, she attained a realtor’s license and worked for Century 21 offices. She was a 30 year member of the American Passion Play spread over a 75 year span. Opal was extremely proud of being a part of 4 generations, participating for several years together. Opal loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren, even as her mind failed and she lost the ability to talk with them. She spent many hours sewing, crocheting and playing cards. She loved doing laundry and ironing! The kitchen was her favorite place to be cooking and making fresh baked pies. A special thank you to Dr. Stivers and the care giving team of the 5th floor of Advocate BroMenn. The compassion and attention to our mother and us will always be remembered. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to American Passion Play, P.O. Box 3354, Bloomington, Illinois 61702. “Rest now, our good and faithful servant.” To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Opal Marie Scott-Brown please visit our Sympathy Store.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Opal Marie Scott-Brown June 3 1925 July 23 2019.
Death notice for the town of: Bloomington, state: Illinois