Living

Living married Opal Jolean Rupard Opal (daughter of Eugene Lewis Rupard and Louise Mae Hodges) was born on 18 Sep 1948 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 1 Jul 2021 in Burke County, , , North Carolina; was buried in White Rock Cemetery, , Avery County, North Carolina. [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Notes:

Buried:
Opal Jolean Eggers, 72, of Morganton, N.C., went to her heavenly home on Thursday, July 1, 2021 surrounded by her loving family at her residence in Morganton.

She was born on September 18, 1948 in Avery County to the late Eugene and Louise Hodges Rupard . In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Billie June and Maxine.

Opal or “Jo” as people referred to her affectionately, was a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister and friend. Jo was an amazing mama who put her children above all else in the world. She would go outside and throw football with her kids. Jo never had any actual football throwing lessons so she would hold the ball with this crazy looking two handed side arm sling that became quite accurate over time. Anything for her children was possible.


One of the greatest joys in Jo’s life was the family dinners once each month. This tradition had been started by her mother to make sure her kids stayed in touch after she was gone. Jo was an amazing talent in the kitchen but mainly focused on dessert such as, red velvet cake, carrot cake, apple cake and butterscotch dessert. You name it and she could prepare it masterfully.

Jo will always be remembered for her gentle nature, sense of humor, stubbornness, and a loving heart.

Jolean is survived by her Daughter, Lori Eggers of Morganton; Sons, Michael Eggers of Wilkes and Matthew Eggers of Hickory; Grandchildren; Justin Eggers, Nathan (Haley) Eggers, Steven Eggers, Amelia Eggers, Walker Eggers; Sisters, Barbara, Molly, Penny, Martha, Kim, Christine, and Sandra; Brothers, Jay, CW, and Freddie; Aunts, Margaret Townsend and Wanda Hodges; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Funeral services were held on Monday, July 5, 2021, at White Rock Baptist Church in Banner Elk, NC, with Rev. Lynn Shook officiating.

The family received friends from 1 to 2 p.m. prior to the service at the church.

Interment took place following the service at White Rock Cemetery.

Eugene married Louise Mae Hodges about 1934. Louise (daughter of Roby Willard Hodges and Texie Lillian Arnett) was born on 18 Sep 1920 in , Avery County, North Carolina, ; died on 9 Mar 1994 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

James married Rilla E. Shook on 11 Jan 1910 in , Watauga County, North Carolina, North Carolina. Rilla was born on 14 Oct 1890 in North Carolina, , , ; died on 16 Jun 1970 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]

Roby married Texie Lillian Arnett on 4 Oct 1914 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . Texie (daughter of Joe Arnett and Maggie (Arnett)) was born on 16 Mar 1900 in , Watauga County, North Carolina, North Carolina; died on 18 Mar 1989 in , Avery County, North Carolina, . [Group Sheet] [Family Chart]