May 3rd, 1920 – January 18th, 2024

Opal Marie Long of St. Louis, MO, passed away on January 18th, 2024 at the age of 103. She was born on May 3, 1920 in Pinckneyville Illinois the daughter of Edward and Charlotte Birkner.

Opal was the 5th of 11 children. Preceding her in death were Ina Birkner, Richard Birkner, Wilma Birkner, Clyde Birkner, Russell Birkner, Clarence Birkner, Verna Boucher, Orville Birkner and Carl Birkner.  She is survived by one brother, Harry Birkner, of Colorado Springs, Colorado, six nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews, seventeen great-great nieces and nephews and four great-great-great nieces and nephews

She married Robert Long June 30, 1989.  He preceded her in death on June 5, 1990.

Opal moved to St. Louis with her sister, Wilma, in 1940.   She initially worked at Curly men’s factory and then moved to Laclede Gas Company, eventually retiring from there on October 1, 1985.

Opal joined Eastern Star in June of 1943.  She held many offices within the Eastern Star organization including the highest position, Worthy Matron, a total of 6 times 1976, 1979, 1986, 1990, 2002, and 2013.  Opal was also the Grand Representative to Kentucky in 1985-86.

Opal was a member of Zion United Methodist Church in St. Louis Missouri.

In her younger years, Opal enjoyed traveling. She went on several cruises, traveled to many different states, and also visited Europe. Opal also enjoyed playing cards and bingo and spending time with others at the Senior Center.  When home, Opal enjoyed sewing and quilting by hand. Often she would have the quilting frame set up in her dining room and she would have to crawl under it, even at the age of 90, to answer the front door.

Opal was beloved by staff and residents at the assisted living facility of Sherbrooke Village where she lived the last few years of her life. She was affectionately referred to as “Granny” by most everyone in the building.  Opal took great pride in the fact she was the oldest person on the assisted living side of the facility and at times the oldest person in the entire building.

Per her request, cremation rites were accorded by St. Louis Cremation.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, May. 3, 2024 (which would have been her 104th birthday) at 11 am at St. Paul United Church of Christ in Pinckneyville, IL. A visitation will be held from 10 am until time of the memorial service at 11 am at the church. Inurnment will follow at Mueller Hill Cemetery, Pinckneyville, IL.