OPAL FINLEY

ANDERSON - Opal Evelyn Speares Finley, 81, widow of James Roy Finley, formerly of McKinley Drive, died on Saturday, August 11, 2012, at NHC of Anderson.

She was born on June 5, 1931 in Anderson and worked at Appleton Mill for many years. Later she worked at Nevitt Forest Elementary School in the cafeteria.

She is survived by a son Colonel "Ronnie" Finley and his wife, Patti Bolt Finley; daughter, Sheila Finley Hilton and her husband, William “Billy” Hilton all of Anderson; three grandchildren, Dr. Ashley Hope Hilton of Greenville, William James “B.J.” Hilton of Anderson and Chelsea Elizabeth Finley of Tuscaloosa, AL; sister, Betty Jean Burdette and a brother, Rob Speares both of Anderson. She also counted as family her close friends, Frankie and Aubrey Fowler. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hattie Mae and Homer Speares; two sisters, Sybil Gunnin and Ruby Craft; two brothers, James and Clifton Speares and a granddaughter, Sara Riley.

Opal was a member of Forest Hill Baptist Church and most recently Concord Baptist Church. She loved shopping, walking, eating out (especially dessert) and Clemson Football. She took great pride in her children and grandchildren and loved to brag to everyone, even total strangers.

Funeral service will be held at 11am Tuesday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel with Rev. Benny Speares officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11am prior to the service at the Northeast Chapel on Hwy 81.

The family will be at the home of the daughter, Sheila Hilton, 1300 Hanover Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 4124 Clemson Blvd, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUAY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com