May 13, 2026 Opal Hawkinson, 84

Graveside Memorial Service for Opal Hawkinson, 84, of Creston, Iowa formerly of Lenox was held Saturday, May 9, 2026 at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox, at 11:00 AM with Tim Maxa officiating.  Memorials may be directed towards the family to be established in Opal’s memory.  Memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.cummingsfamily-
funeralhome.com
Opal Margaret Hawkinson daughter of Roy Jacob and Florence Lucille (Shafer) Camden was born March 19, 1942 in Lenox, IA. She left to join her loved ones and the Lord in His Heavenly home on May 4, 2026.
Opal lived a good portion of her life in Lenox. She attended Lenox school but was unable to graduate after losing her vision in an automobile accident on September 14, 1962, but she didn’t let that setback get her down.
Opal married John Dean Hess on November 4, 1962. They were parents to 4 children (Ronnie, Joanny, Cheri and Alleen Sue) They were later divorced. During their marriage they spent a lot of their time with Bill and Dorothy Stuart. The couples had played cards the night of the accident that took Opal’s sight.
Opal went to the Commission for the Blind in Des Moines for training on how to live being blind and that is where she met Clarence Herman Hawkinson. They were married on June 23, 1974. They were blessed with one daughter. (Cindy)
Opal was a woman of unmistakable character; she was strong willed and stubborn in the way that only someone who knows exactly who they are can be. She never hesitated to speak her mind (a trait that she has passed on). She refused to give up or accept the word “can’t” by moving forward with a quiet determination showing everyone around her what resilience truly looked like.
Opal found comfort and joy in life’s simple routines listening to soap operas and westerns and holding on to her faith through church. These small familiar moments were part of a rhythm of life while, not always easy, was full and deeply lived.
Family was a very important part of Opal’s life, she would often babysit grandchildren. You could often see her and Clarence walking around town with the kids either in a stroller or with a harness on before it became a thing even though the kids would try and fool her she knew when they had done something they shouldn’t and reacted appropriately.
Opal looked forward to holidays and special occasions with family. She went to events that kids were participating in whenever she could to support them, from school events to racing cars. She liked to take the kids to the movie theater where she always got popcorn then “rest her eyes” by the end of the movie. She always reminded us if she didn’t get her favorite Christmas candy and someone would always have to make her Divinity. She would also get the kids to help her make Monster Cookies. The kids would add the ingredients as she told them to, never using a recipe.
Opal always regretted not being able to finish high school. The opportunity arose for her to take classes to obtain her GED. Since her son had dropped out of High School, she challenged him to get his GED, so they got them together.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Roy and Florence; brothers Jim, Jack, (Jack’s wife Kay) Jerry Ray; brother-in-law, Reed; daughters, Joanny and Cheri, (Cheri’s husband Garland); son, Gary; granddaughters, Amber and Anita and her beloved husband, Clarence.
Opal is survived by her sisters Joan Helm, Judy Browning (husband Bill), Joyce Probasco; children, Ronnie Camden (partner Norma), Alleen Sue Armstrong (husband Douglas), Cindy Saucedo (husband Raul), Susan Dungan (partner Craig) and daughter-in-law Velma. Many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Opal’s memory will remain deeply woven into the lives of all those who knew her. Those who remain are tasked with carrying on her love, strength, spirit and zest for life. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.