Opal Lee Bumgarner

Opal Lee Ashe Bumgarner age 86, of Sylva, passed away on Wednesday, August 17, 2022. She was born in Jackson County, to the late Cornelius and Ethel King Ashe.

Growing up, Opal was a member of Wilmot Baptist Church. After marriage, she joined Love's Chapel United Methodist Church and later attended Lovedale Baptist Church. She was a housewife who loved to cook for her family, sing hymns (in church and at the Nursing/Rest Homes) and was a great babysitter, because the children knew she truly loved them.

Over the years, she helped care for over 50 friends and family who were sick and shut-in and spent at least 32 years volunteering with the Hospital Auxiliary, including their Thrift Store in Sylva.

Opal will be dearly missed by her husband of almost 66 years, L.C. Bumgarner; her son, Edward Bumgarner; and her daughter, Linda Bumgarner. She is also survived by her sisters; Evelina Davis, Shirley Bumgarner, Elaine Jones; and her brothers, Cory (Junior) (Peggy) Ashe and Homer (Mary) Ashe; plus many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Opal was preceded in death by sisters; Gerlene Ashe, Pauline Kalin, Barbara Ashe; and brother, Harl Ashe.

A one hour visitation, from 2:00 until 3:00 p.m. will be held for Opal at Appalachian Funeral Services on Friday, August 19th. A graveside service will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Love's Chapel United Methodist Church cemetery with the Rev. Mike Farmer officiating.