Opal Ballew

September 4, 1930 - March 29, 2021

Opal Peacock Ballew passed away on March 29, 2021, at the age of 90. She was born in Baxley, Georgia, to J.D. and Adell Peacock, before moving to Jacksonville as a young child. After graduating from Lee High School she attended Carson Newman College in Tennessee, where she graduated with a degree in biology. While at Carson Newman she met her future husband, R.L. Ballew. After graduation and 4 years of travel, courtesy of the USAF, Opal and R.L. settled in Jacksonville. Here they raised their two children, Marty and Robert, while starting their careers in education. Opal was a lifetime educator with the Duval County School system. She taught second grade for ten years at Hyde Park Elementary. During that time she took additional courses to become certified in library science. The next 20 years were spent as a school librarian at Jeb Stuart Junior High. Opal was an avid reader throughout her life and passed that love on to her children. Opal had a lifelong interest in seeing as much of the world as possible and she and R.L. were able to spend many years having adventures. Opal's family was very important to her and they spent many wonderful years at the lake, beach, mountains, and long car rides to multiple states. Opal was a lifetime member of Murray Hill Baptist Church, where she served in many areas throughout her life. She was predeceased by her husband R.L., son Robert, and daughter-in-law Kathy. She is survived by her daughter Marty Lyda, grandsons Jordan Lyda, Seth Lyda (Ashley), Nathan Lyda (Dana), Marshall Ballew, and first great-grandson, Jack Lyda. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Murray Hill Baptist Church, 4300 Post Street, Jacksonville, FL 32205. Due to Covid restrictions, a joint memorial service, for her and R.L., will be held online at a later date.