Opal Olivia (Johnson) Phillips

Opal Olive Johnson Phillips was born to Levi Johnson & Sienne Gray on July 9, 1930, in Lake, Mississippi. Opal grew up and went to school in Lake, Miss. She graduated from Antioch High School in 1948. Opal married Jessie James Brown, Sr. in 1949 and to that union four children were born. Rose, Jessie, Frettie and Linda Brown. She later relocated to Palm Springs, Calif. in 1957. Opal had three other children Johnnie Brown Daniels, Glen Artis Daniels and Marshay Daniels. Opal joined Shiloh Baptist Church in 1964 under the leadership of Pastor Clintohan and was a loyal member there until her illness befelled her in December 1999. Opal later married C.L. Phillips in 1987 where he later joined at her urging under Pastor Armstrong of Shiloh Baptist. Opal worked in Palm Springs at the Desert Hospital in housekeeping prior to her illness. Opal’s passion was dancing and reading. Opal felt she did the best she could.

Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Levi and Sienne Johnson; her six siblings, Robert, Fannie Ruth, LeAndy, Jake, Ethel and Joshua; her husband, C.L. Phillips; two great-granddaughters, Kyla “KyKy” Anderson and Bella Paige; three sons, Glen Daniels, Freddie Brown, John Brown.

Opal leaves to cherish her memory four children, Rosie Smith, Jessie Brown, Linda Brown and Marshay Daniels (Sonya); her grandchildren Michael, Marcus, Desmond, Fontaine, Franncea, Rashidi, Tyron, LaTarra, Kevion, Christopher, Jaque, Kaylin and Tiffiany; fifteen great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces, relatives and friends.

Viewing will take place from 3:00 pm-7:00 pm Wed., May 8, 2019 at Wiefels & Son Mortuary, Banning, CA. Funeral Service will begin at 10:00 am, Thurs., May 9, 2019 at First Missionary Baptist Church, Banning, CA with burial to follow at 1:31 pm at Riverside National Cemetery of Riverside, CA.

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