Nettie Opal Hankal, 93, died Monday, July 20, at her home in McMinnville with her loving family by her side.
Opal was born in 1927 in DeKalb County, one of 10 children to Liza Parker Scott and Sam Neal Scott. Seven of her siblings preceded her in death. She is survived by her brother, Lloyd Scott of Murfreesboro, and her sister Betty Roberts of Doyle. Also preceding her in death are her husband William Jesse Rogers and ex-husband George Stanley Hankal Sr.
Opal will be forever remembered by her seven children, Netta Collins of Dickson, Treva Carter (Phillip) of Rock Island, Stan Hankal (Ellen) of Cookeville, Jenny Montgomery (Joe) of McMinnville, David Hankal (Penny) of Rock Island, Paul Hankal (Tammy) of Rock Island, and Cathy Barrett (Rick) of McMinnville. Opal will also be lovingly remembered by her 17 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren.
Opal was a longtime resident and productive citizen of McMinnville, retiring after a 27-year career at Oster. She was admired by her coworkers for being hardworking, kind, and cheerful. She was famous for her delicious homemade ham biscuits. She was a member of Madison Street Baptist Church. Her most cherished role, though, was as mother/ grandmother/ great-grandmother. She enjoyed cooking for her large family and spending countless hours caring for the babies. Her skills as a seamstress and quilt maker were unrivaled, and she enjoyed tending to her magazine-worthy yard and flowers. Opal remained active and independent for the vast majority of her life.
As her name suggests, Opal was a gem – unique, diverse, and beautiful. Her loving demeanor, sweet Southern voice, and talented hands that created quilts, pillows, and baked “whities” for the children will be forever missed by this large family. Their hearts are heavy as they say goodbye to Mom and Granny Opal, but, thankfully she provided them with wonderful memories to cherish forever.
The family will have a private funeral service for immediate family members only on Thursday, July 23, at McMinnville Funeral Home Chapel. Bro. Jason Brown and grandson Jeff Carter will officiate. Interment will follow at Fountain Grove Cemetery in Morrison. Online condolences may be made at www.mcminnvillefuneralhome.com.
McMinnville Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Southern Standard
(McMinnville, Tenn.) July 22, 2020
