Opal Rushing Smith

Opal Rushing Smith
April 22, 1941 – April 7, 2026
Opal Rushing Smith, 84, died April 7, 2026, in Biloxi, MS. Opal was born April 22, 1941, in Tylertown 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; 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 stepchildren, James Gary Smith and Kendall Smith; six great-grandchildren.
Visitation was April 14, 2026, at O’Bryant-O’Keefe Funeral Home in Pascagoula. Rev. Dennis Ray Smith officiated the service. Burial was at Serenity Memorial Gardens in Theodore, AL.