Gladys Opal Barrett

Gladys Opal Barrett, 97, of Graham, passed away Saturday, May 17, 2014, in Graham. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 20, at Bethel Baptist Church in Graham with the Rev. Paul McQuerry and Loyall Watkins officiating. Burial will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Opal was born October 8, 1916, in Shamrock, OK to the late Charles and Flora Myrtle (Spees) Botkin. She married Foster Zinn Barrett October 15, 1938, in Graham. He preceded her in death on October 9, 1987. GeeGee (as she was widely known) was a homemaker and a member of Bethel Baptist Church.
GeeGee enjoyed quilting, crocheting, knitting and sewing gifts for family and friends. She kept active with water aerobics and made many friends at the pool. She had a large family she was very proud of and they were so very proud of her. She was the perfect example of kindness, patience and love that inspired everyone she met. She said her secret to a long life was "Just be happy."

She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Clara June Barrett; two sisters, Margaret Orrell and June Freeze; two brothers, Clifford and Bob Botkin; a grandson, Steven Brown; and a son-in-law, Bob Brown.

Survivors include four daughters: Mary Zinn Brown, Bobbye Nelson and husband Elmer, Sandra Burton, and Roma Brightman and husband Bill, all of Graham; 11 grandchildren: Charlotte Roberts and husband Billy, Darryl Brown and wife Judy, Paul Nelson and wife Jennifer, David Nelson and wife Anna, Kimberly Burrough, Christopher Gilbert and wife Laurie, Brenda Gaton and husband Kirk, Jason Gilbert, Lisa Montfort and Cheryl Adams and husband Matt; 28 great-grandchildren: Greg Mayes and wife Heather; Dusty Mayes and wife Jaci; Staci Utterback and husband Brandon; Brett Brown and wife Kelsi; Wesley Brown and wife Amber; Caleb Nelson and wife Hannah; Joshua Nelson and wife Breanna; Rachel Nelson; Emily, Abigail and Allison Gilbert; Tess, Sarah and Tommy Gaton; Tanner Gaton and wife Erin; Austin Gaton and wife Sheridan; Bryce Harrelson; Claire and Aidan Adams; B. J. Roberts and wife Shannon; Courtney Roberts; Kylie, Sadie and Corbin Bailey; Jon & Mandi Clifton and Nicholas, Stephanie and Adam Ratz; and 23 great-great-grandchildren: Breann and Braylee Mayes; McKenly, Miley and McKlane Roberts; Cayden and Jace Edwards; Samara Gaton; Bailey, Kaitlyn, Allee Zinn and Camden Utterback; Liam Moore; Gavin and Adelyn Gaton; Lilly Brown; Foster Brown and Baby Boy Brown; Ever Lee Mayes; Kallyn Gaton; Drew and Delainee Clifton; and Savannah Quarles.

Family visitation will be Monday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Morrison Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church of Graham.