Opal Ophelia Royal Hancock Dies At 95

Opal Ophelia Royal Hancock, age 95, of Clewiston, passed away August 4, 2014 in Clewiston. She was born June 30, 1919 in Crosland, Colquitt County, Georgia to the late Charlie J. Royal and the late Zollie Loretta (Taylor) Royal.

She was the youngest of nine children. She had five brothers and three sisters, all of whom predeceased her: brothers: Bernard Royal, Valdosta, GA, Whipple Royal, Miami, FL, Charlie Royal, Jacksonville, FL, Clarence Royal and Stuart Royal, Valdosta, GA, sisters: Blonnie Royal Burks, Valdosta, GA, Annie Royal Murphy, Moultrie, GA, Ona Mae Eaton, Bowling Green, KY.

Opal was married Sept. 28, 1940 to Cluie Hancock from Moultrie, GA. He preceded her in death August 4, 1989. She had no children.

Opal was active in the community and received the following honors. 1997 - the first "Golden Heart Award" from Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, 1998-"Woman of the Year" award from Business and Professional Women, 2000-"Women of Accomplishment" award from Palm Beach Community College, 2000-"Citizen of the Year" award from the Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, 2004-honored with clock dedication in Clewiston. The Clock is located on the corner of Ventura Av. and Central Avenue, 2005-"Distinguished Service" award for the Toys for Tots from Hendry County Sheriff's Dept., 2007-2nd Runner-Up for "Ms. Senior Citizen Beauty Queen", 2012-Caloosa Federated Republican Women "Director Emeritus Award" and 2014-Sugar Festival Honoree. 

Her efforts have certainly left their mark and few cities have been blessed with a Goodwill Ambassador the likes of Opal Royal Hancock.

She was a member of the Retired Ladies of US Sugar Corp, Evangel Assembly of God, Honorary Member of Clewiston Chamber of Commerce, National Autumn Leaf Collectors Club, Madame Alexander Doll Club, Ladies of the Lake USA, Clewiston Museum, Friends of Animal, Hallmark Collector's Society, Historical Society, Sesquicentennial Society Board Member and WIFE: Women Involved in Farm Economics. 

Opal was an original partner of Clewiston Florist which was established in 1967 with Frances Baldree Deese.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 7, 2014, 3:00 pm at Evangel Assembly of God in Clewiston with Rev. John Hicks officiating. Interment will follow in Ridgelawn Cemetery, Clewiston. 

Visitation will be Thursday from 1-3p.m. at Evangel Assembly Of God. 

Memorial donations can be made to Hendry Regional Medical Center Foundation, Clewiston Museum or Clewiston Christian School.