Opal JoAnn Rivers Bowling, age 84, of Olive Hill, passed away Saturday, September 28, 2024, at her residence.

Born September 15, 1940, in Carter County, she was a daughter of the late Forest Edwin Rivers and Alma J. Hamm Rivers. Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by nine brothers, Armel, Arnold, Frank, Floyd, Pete, Orbie, Forest, Gene, and Ray Rivers, and three sisters, Lena Rivers, Sarah Hamilton, and Marie Prescott.  

Her husband of 60 years, Billy Gene Bowling, Sr. preceded her in death on February 13, 2020, and a son, Billy Gene Bowling, Jr. on February 17, 2011.

Opal is survived by three daughters, Jewell McCormick of Olive Hill, Cathy (John) Ingle and Nancy (Jackie) Branham, all of Morehead; four grandchildren, Johnny (Jessica) Ingle, Patrick McCormick, Brandon Branham, and Amanda (Chuck) Gee; and three great grandchildren, Hunter Gee, Johanna Ingle, and Aubrey Gee.

Other survivors include one sister, Barbara Henson of Olive Hill; brothers-in-law, Curtis Ray Bowling, Larry Kenny Bowling (Mary Layne), and Johnny “Bull” (Francery) Bowling; three sisters-in-law, Lily Bowling, Mary Murphy, and Kay (Ron) Keeton; a host of nieces and nephews; extended family; and friends.

Opal was a homemaker and a member of Bowen Chapel Freewill Baptist Church.  She was a former employee of Cowden’s Manufacturing in Morehead, The Sewing Factory in Olive Hill, and owned a store “Opal’s Mall” where she sold clothing, produce, and candy.

Opal was a fabulous babysitter and enjoyed caring for her animals, gardening, cooking, and baking.  Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals Memorial Chapel with Brother Bobby Day officiating.  Burial will be in Bowen Chapel Cemetery.

Pallbearers:  Johnny Ingle, Patrick McCormick, Brandon Branham, Chuck Gee, Hunter Gee, Jackie Branham, and John Ingle.

Visitation will be from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, October 2, 2024, at Northcutt & Son Home for Funerals, 400 Fraley Drive, Morehead, KY 40351.

View memorial tribute or sign guestbook at www.northcuttandson.com

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