Opal Poole, age 86, of Ponte Vedra Beach, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.
Opal was born on March 29, 1939, in Winslow, Arkansas, to the late Floyd and Effie Hays. Throughout her life, she was known for her kindness, warmth, generosity, stubbornness, pragmatic wisdom and her love for children. She was especially devoted to her grandchildren and made a lasting impression in their lives.
Opal enjoyed gardening, baking, bowling, but most of all, she enjoyed spending time and making memories with her grandkids and all the little children around her.
She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Vicki Poole and Kelly Barrera (Gil); her grandchildren, Lyndsay Barrera and Colin Barrera (Harley); great-granddaughter, Ronny Rose Barrera; sister-in-law Martha Brown; Enrique and Michelle Flores and their children Paula, Monica, and Enrique; and siblings Irene Cantrell, Wayne Hays and Donnie Hays. She was preceded in death by her husband Don; sisters, Eunice Brooks, Neita Caudle, Loma Horah, Joyce Ferguson; and brothers, Oren Hays and JD Hays.
A visitation will be held on March 19, 2026, at 10 a.m. at Arlington Park Cemetery, 6920 Lone Star Rd, Jacksonville, Florida. A funeral service and interment will follow at 11 a.m.
The family would like to thank all who cared for Opal and for their support during this time. In lieu of flowers, consider making donations to Community Hospice or Young Life ministries.
Opal will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of all who loved her.
