Racine – Opal Jean Works, 81, transitioned from this life to eternal life, on Monday, June 30, 2008. She was born in Metropolis, Illinois on January 17, 1927, daughter of the late Daniel and Artie (nee: Orr) Goodman. She was united in marriage on July 31, 1948 to Wilson Works, who preceded her in death in 1989.
A woman of deep commitment to Christ, Mother Works was a member of Greater Grace Temple, where she was a member of the church choir for 10 years. She was driven by her strong faith to devote 22 years evangelizing, and ministering to the incarcerated in Racine county and throughout the state of Wisconsin. She served on the board of directors for Next Generation Now; and spent countless hours volunteering for the Racine Unified School District; Charter Schools, and the Neighborhood Watch program. Her favorite pastime was fishing, and she also enjoyed quilting, and outdoor gardening.
She is survived by her loving daughters, Virginia “Connie” McKinley, and Rachel (Clifford) Allen both of Racine; her dear grandchildren, Cheryl (Anthony) McWhorter, Danielle Thomas, Carla Thomas, Harold (Sandra) Thomas, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, Shannon Yarbrough, Deborah McKinley, Dyante Morse, Tyarra Morse, Sausha Morse, Johnietta Morse, Jeanea Morse, and Ricardo Everett; 19 precious great grandchildren; and 1 sweet great-great granddaughter; a host of nieces and nephews, James (Linda) Doss of Grand Rapids, MI, Reverend Charles (Lillian) Parsons of Racine, WI, Vinchanzo (Irma) Goodman of Caracas, Venezuela, Lexy Dabbs, Richard Dabbs both of Kirkwood, MO, Donna (John) Adams of Duluth, GA, Dennis (Joan) Jenkins of Lawrenceville, GA, Judith Collins of San Leandro, CA, Shawn (Felicia) Kelley of Peoria, IL, Betty Lee Goodman, East St. Louis, MO, Betty Lou Goodman, Metropolis, IL, and Wayne Hathaway of Dallas, TX, a beloved cousin Jo Martha of Metropolis, IL as well as other relatives and special friends Sarah Fouse and Beulah M. Ellis. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Virginia Kelley, Dorothy Goodman, Yvonne Dabbs; and by her brothers, Robert Goodman, William Goodman, and Jesse Goodman; and by a nephew Giovanni Goodman.
Homegoing services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 8, 2008 at Greater Grace Temple (522 N. Memorial Drive) with Rev. Jettie Cornett officiating. Visitation and viewing will begin at 10:00 a.m. Graveside services at Graceland Cemetery will follow the service.
DONNA ADAMS says
JESUS LOVES US THIS WE KNOW, CAUSE THE BIBLE TELL US SO. BUT HE LOVE AUNT JEAN MORE AND HE SAID COME HOME AND JOIN US, FOR SHE HAS DONE WELL HERE ON EARTH. WE WILL MISS HER, BUT HER SPIRT AND THE LOVE SHE HAS FOR HER FAMILY AND NIECES AND NEPHEWS, AND ALL THE OTHER LIVES SHE HAS TOUCH. WE ALL SAY THANK YOU AUNT FOR THE LOVE. REST WITH PEACE OF MIND KNOWING YOU HAVE LEFT US ALL IN GOOD HANDS AND IN PRAYER.
ADAMS AND JENKINS FAMILY.