Opal Perry Lively

Opal Mae Perry Lively, 94, of Oak Hill, WV passed away, Saturday, February 2, 2008 at Plateau Medical Center, Oak Hill. Mrs. Lively was born September 8, 1913 at Cunard, WV a daughter of the late Charles E. and Dottie Martin Perry. Mrs. Lively was a homemaker and floral artist. She was a faithful member of the Rebecca Bible Class of the Oak Hill United Methodist Church and she gave 65 years of service to the United Methodist Women serving several terms as president. She was a loyal and loving Chairman of the Worship Committee of the church. She was a past President of the Red Bud and Oak Hill Garden Clubs, and was a life member of the West Virginia Garden Club. She was President of the Fayette County Garden Council in 1967-69 and past Director of the Appalachian District Garden Council in 1985-86. During the 1960's, Mrs. Lively opened Mount Hope Floral next door to Blackburn-Patteson Realty Co., where her husband, D. P. worked for more than 40 years. Her floral designs won Blue Ribbons and her love for the Red Bud and Oak Hill Garden Clubs will always be remembered through the "Opal Perry Lively Designers Creativity Award" presented by the Oak Hill Garden Council. An avid crochet enthusiast, she has hand-stitched many beautiful, cozy quilts and her paintings done in oils and pastels can be viewed from the Fayette County Courthouse to the streets of Oak Hill, the Lewis House, and beyond. She was a member of the Fayette Art League and was also a graduate of Fayetteville High School. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald P. "D.P." Lively on December 19, 2007 and two sisters, Stella Knowles and Clara L. Mann. She is survived by two daughters, Elizabeth Baker and husband, William of Daniels and Nancy Lee Payne and husband, Jim of Belmont, NC; a granddaughter, Kelly Peterson and husband, Edward of Rocky Mount, VA; a great grandson, Tyler Benjamin Peterson; a sister Edith Wickline of Tyler, TX; a brother-in-law, Leslie Lively of Shady Spring and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service for friends and family will be held at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, Tuesday, February 5, 2008 at 2:00 PM, with Dr. John Sauvage, Rev. William Slates and Rev. Ellen File officiating. Burial will be in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill. Donations of sympathy may be made to a charity of your choice, in lieu of flowers.