Opal Nixon

Opal Rean Nixon, 90, passed from this world on Saturday, March 7, 2020 at 6:30 a.m. She was mother to her five children: Cletus Wayne Nixon, Carita Kuykendall, Peggy Moore, Marilyn Dodd, and Randy Nixon. She was mother in-law to David Moore, Dr. John Dodd, and Jana McCarter Nixon. She was “Mamaw” to fifteen grandchildren: Brad Moore (Dawonia), Kim Marlar (Chad), Michelle Moore, Clay Moore (Candace), James Kuykendall II., Cindy Nixon Caldwell, John David Dodd, Jr. (Kelyn), Todd Moore (Tawana), Dr. Nixon Dodd (Kimberly), Dave Moore (Jana), Dr. Henry Dodd (Kenzie), Dr. William Dodd (Dr. Christian), Jordan Nixon (Janet) , Katie Nixon Thurman (Brandon), and Lily Nixon, twenty-nine great grandchildren: Madison and Madilyn Caldwell, Trey and Makayla Kuykendall, Triston and Ashton Marlar, Kristin Rencher (Colby), Karen Strickland, Gracie and Molly Moore, Alyssa, Alexis, Alex, and Allie Moore, Reece Hardin, Kinsley Moore, Melia and Marlee Moore, John David Dodd lll and Stella Dodd, Daniel, Crews, Connor and Baylor Dodd, Hilton, Lawrence and Porter Dodd, Sloane and Merritt Dodd, and three great-great grandchildren: Liam Strickland, Karleigh Moss and Holley Rencher, and her caregiver Sandy Kuykendall. There are also numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years, Arno Nixon, her first grandchild, Brad Moore, a great-granddaughter Kenzley Moss, a daughter-in-law Betty Jane Austin Nixon, her parents and nine siblings.
She was married to the father of her children, Cletus Arno Nixon for over 49 years. They resided on Highway 57 in the Michie, TN area until 1991. Since, she has resided at 3136 Kendrick Road in Corinth, MS. She was born on November 11, 1929 to Aud and Jennie Mask as the ninth of ten children.
Married at the young age of 14, she was not quite sixteen when her first child was born. She would give birth to all five of her children by the time she was twenty-six years old. Always an energetic mother, she would play in the yard whether it was basketball or turning cartwheels as her children grew. She could have a meal prepared in a short amount of time while watching over not only her children but any other visiting children that happened to be in her home. She kept up with gardening, canning, laundry all while maintaining a public job most of her life. She worked as a cashier for over fifteen years at local Dollar General Stores. This is mostly where she was known as either “Mamaw” or “Ms Opal” to countless people checking out at her register. She was known for her ease in frequent conversation with even total strangers. She had the ability to immediately connect with people she met. It was often said that she never met a stranger, for soon they would be an acquaintance. She was often encouraged to “retire” by her children but as she would always say, “I have to be busy; I just can’t sit down all the time.” “There is always something to do”
For years, she and her family attended Acton church of Christ. After moving to Corinth, she attended and was a faithful member of West Corinth church of Christ. She was very happy attending all church services and visiting with her family and church family at every service.
One of her favorite things was to check on her neighbors, friends, and always checked on her children by calling them to make sure they were alright after a night’s sleep or after a storm threat. She also loved for others to call her on the phone often just to chat. She loved people. The thrill of a new baby being born into the family was a happy time for her. Another favorite thing for her to do was baking a yellow cake with wonderful home-made chocolate icing for children and grandchildren’s birthdays.
She had strength to overcome so much in life and was blessed to have longevity in her favor. Her father lived to the age of 106 years. Her ability to survive the difficult times of her generation was amazing to many. She will be missed so very much by her family, friends and acquaintances. Thank you for loving and “listening” to her. She loved so many people.
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support in many heart-felt forms from so many wonderful people.
Honorary pallbearers will be her grandsons and great-grandsons.
Visitation will be held at Memorial Funeral Home in Corinth, MS on Monday, March 9 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and again Tuesday, March 10 from 11:00 a.m. until the funeral service to follow at 1:00 p.m.