Opal J. Barrett Ball

Athens, TN – Opal Josie Barrett Ball, age 87, passed on Monday, December 19, 2022.  Opal was born in Washington County, VA to the late Joseph D. and Kathleen Shortt Barrett.  She was a longtime employee of the Empire Restaurant.  Opal lived most of her life in Washington County but did live for several years in Pennsylvania and in 2013 relocated to the Athens, TN area to be close to family.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by seven siblings.  Opal is survived by her three children, Edward Dennis Ball of Athens, AL, Daniel Ball and wife Lisa of Farmville, VA, and Donna Poston and husband Terry of Athens, AL; sister, Regina Cumbow and husband Jim of Abingdon, VA; three grandchildren, Brandy Riley and husband Michael, Jeno Ball, and Josie Ball; great grandson, Coletrane Riley; and several nieces and nephews.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 21, 2022, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Barbara Farmer officiating. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association in Opal’s name.  Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com and signing the online guest register. 

The family of Opal Josie Barrett Ball is being cared for by Farris Funeral Service & Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210, (276) 623-2700.