Opal Mae Winn

A visitation for Opal Mae Winn is set from 10:00 ~ 11:00 A.M., Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at First Regular Missionary Baptist Church, 1646 Vermont Street, Lawrence, KS, 66044 with a funeral service following at 11:00 A.M. Burial will take place at Memorial Park Cemetery in Lawrence, KS.

Mother Opal Mae Winn, born Opal Mae Smith, entered this world on June 13, 1931, on a family farm in Crescent, Oklahoma. She was the fourth of eleven children born to Alexander and Marvella Holmes Smith. Growing up during the Great Depression, Opal developed a deep appreciation for faith, family, and hard work—values that would remain the foundation of her life.

Opal accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Each Sunday, she and her family would walk three miles to attend Sunday School and church services—and three miles back home. These long walks became moments of bonding and joy shared with her beloved sisters—Maggie, Velma, and Julia “Verdean”—and brothers—John “Bo,” Noomis, Benny, Roy, Glenn, Alexander “Elic,” and William “Bill.” Whether they were milking cows, picking cotton, or working the fields, their love for one another and their faith kept their spirits high.

A proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School in Dover, Oklahoma, Opal was known in her community as a formidable force on the girls’ basketball team. She also loved reading her Bible, other books, and solving puzzles. In 1949, she graduated and went on to attend Langston University on a full scholarship. While pursuing her studies, Opal began her family, worked in a private household, and later married Acil Winn. The couple eventually settled in Lawrence, Kansas, where they raised their four children: Clarice, Karen, Lori, and Robert.

In Lawrence, Opal was the heart of her home and community. Her garden was a source of pride and nourishment—she lovingly prepared home-cooked meals from its bounty, often sharing them with friends and neighbors, and baking casseroles for the homeless. She worked tirelessly, as a chef at the University of Kansas and a cook at St. John’s Catholic School. Her meals were known to bring people together, and her kindness and warmth were felt across the city. Never one to stop learning, Opal also took college courses while working at the university.

Opal’s faith was the guiding light of her life. She and her family were devoted members of Ninth Street Baptist Church in Lawrence for over 40 years, faithfully serving under several pastors, including Pastor Carl Johnson, Pastor Leo Barbee, and Pastor Rene Brown. She held various roles—President of the Missionary Society, Sunday School teacher, and Deaconess— always with grace and devotion. Later, she joined First Regular Missionary Baptist Church and served on the Mother’s Board under Pastors Reginald Bachus and Arsenial Runion. In 2019, she moved to Chicago, and since August 28, 2020, has been a cherished member of Zion Hill Baptist Church, where she worshiped under the leadership of her grandson, Pastor Nathanael Waddles. She found joy in the Senior Bible Class, the daily prayer line, and every worship service.

Mother Winn loved nothing more than being with family, reading a good book, watching KU sports, and sitting outside on a sunny day. She was lovingly cared for by her four children and transitioned peacefully on June 12, 2025, just one day shy of her 94th birthday, surrounded by those who loved her most.

She will be remembered for her radiant spirit, her comforting prayers and words of encouragement, and her infectious laughter. Her legacy of faith, love, and service lives on in all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her beloved husband, Deacon Acil Winn; five brothers; and two sisters. She leaves to cherish her memory: her siblings Maggie, Glenn (Carol), and William (LaVonna); her devoted children Clarice (David), Karen (George Sr.), Lori, and Robert (Holly); 8 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and friends.