Opal Eglenna Turley

Opal Eglenna Morgan Turley passed away April 15, 2011. Opal was born May 22, 1931 in Tellico Plains, Tennessee. She was the daughter of John Homer Morgan and Myrtle Glenn Vaughn.Opal graduated in 1950 from Jefferson Davis Hospital School of Nursing in Houston, Texas. In 1953 she passed the licensing exam to become a Registered Nurse. She earned a B.S. in Nursing from the University of Houston in 1957. Opal continued to work at Jeff Davis Hospital, primarily in Labor and Delivery, and became Head Nurse in 1954. From 1957 to 1963 she was employed at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital. She departed St. Luke's to work at Memorial Southwest Hospital, and remained there until 1970.In 1973, Opal was diagnosed with Friedrich's Ataxia, a disease that would present many physical challenges in her future. However, this new situation did not prevent her from enjoying life and pursuing her established hobbies. She enjoyed oil painting and produced upwards of 50 paintings during her lifetime. Opal was an accomplished seamstress: sewing for dolls, daughters and decor. Embroidery, gardening, cooking and reading were other activities she continued to enjoy and pursue. She had a lifelong interest in family history and was a wealth of information on genealogy and many other topics. She possessed indomitable courage in confronting the disease that slowly eroded her independence. Her wry sense of humor and bright spirit helped her cope, and helped others accept and cope with the circumstances as well.She is predeceased by her husband, Harry Emerson Turley (June 25, 2010), and her sisters, Ruby Bernice Torres and Kay Ilene Morgan. She and Harry shared a loving and successful marriage of 55 years.She is survived by her daughters: Leigh Ellen Emerson and partner Carlos Lifschitz, and Jeana Beth Christ and husband Douglas Leifeste. Opal also leaves behind many loving family members and lifelong friends.