Opal was a woman who loved God and her family. Her strong faith saw her through multiple illnesses and deaths—not only her own struggles, but also those of her family members. She was born on November 25, 1940, to Obie Edward and Willie Mae (née Nelson) Farr in Bon Wier, Texas. She attended school in the Biloxi Community alongside her three older brothers, older sister, and three younger brothers; she was the baby girl of the family. Opal joined Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church under the leadership of the Reverends Kenebrew and C.C. Farr at an early age, and she remained faithful to her Christian beliefs throughout her life. She got the nickname "Sally" from her sister, Lois, who said she was a favorite of, and shared mannerisms with, "old lady Ms. Sally," a beloved woman from the community.

She was united in marriage to Roosevelt "Sang" Samuel, also of Bon Wier, on August 27, 1960. They later relocated to Houston, Texas, where she began her career in nursing. She often shared how, although they struggled financially during their first year of marriage—both working two jobs—they had their first child. When she expressed interest in working in a hospital, Sang encouraged her to enroll in a local community college. She began working as a certified nursing assistant at a nursing home, and her charge nurses quickly recognized her aptitude for patient care. They encouraged her to continue her professional development. Despite her initial hesitation due to a growing family—now with a second child—she went on to obtain her licensed vocational nurse certification and later her registered nursing degree. All the while, she cared for her two young daughters. She eventually retired from nursing after 20 years as a charge nurse specializing in behavioral health and respiratory care.

Even after retirement, Opal remained active. She returned to school and earned a cosmetology license with hopes of opening a beauty shop in Bon Wier. Not one to sit still, she later returned to nursing, first as a home health nurse, then as a charge nurse at the Veteran Affairs hospital, working with spinal injury patients. Her commitment to caring for the sick was unwavering—demonstrated not only in her career but in her personal life as well. She often stayed at the bedside of ill family members, even when it impacted her own health.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her daughters, Saundra Samuel-McGowan and SheRanda Samuel; grandsons, RyVell McGowan and Tyler Samuel; granddaughter, Unique Samuel; great-granddaughter, Laila; great-grandson, Sammie McGowan; brother, Marvin Nelson Farr; and two special nieces she lovingly referred to as sisters, Vivian and Rita. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and in-laws. Opal deeply loved her family and cherished spending time with them. She could still recite most of their names and birthdates even in later years.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of nearly 50 years, Roosevelt; her parents, Obie and Willie Mae Farr; five brothers—Hoy Sylvester, Utah Joseph, Obie Edward Jr., Garland Richard, and Morgan Philander—and her sister, Lois A. Farr.

Opal enjoyed crocheting, reading her Bible, and listening to gospel music. But above all, she loved God and her family most. Do not mourn Opal's death, but rejoice in the knowledge that you were an integral part of her life and shared in her love. Continue her legacy by showing strength and trust in God. She will be missed by all—but never forgotten.