Opal Dillow Kirby

Opal Dillow Kirby of Charlotte passed away August 2, 2025, surrounded by her beloved children and extended family.

Opal was born December 6, 1929 at home in Oklahoma City, OK and remained a devout Sooner fan her entire life. She met her future husband, John Randolph “Randy” Kirby, on a blind date during her senior year at OU, and while Randy was stationed at Nellis Air Force Base.  They loved nothing more than laughing and having fun together.  They were married on July 1, 1952. She was preceded in death by Randy, who died February 26, 1970.

She will always be remembered for her 35+ person Thanksgiving dinners, her love of cooking Julia Child recipes, her mastery of Latin in gardening, being an avid reader of Agatha Christie and Nero Wolfe, her love of all creatures great and small, Perry Mason, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies, her undying love for Robert Goulet, Nat King Cole, and Harry James, her passion for tennis, and her zealous use of the cowbell during Oklahoma football games.

Her children are forever grateful for her incredible love and devotion to each of them after the early death of their father. She amazed all who knew her.She is survived by her daughters Ellen, Mary Anne, Susan, Cynthia, and her son John Randolph, Jr.; her sons-in-law Terrell and Mark; her daughter-in-law Monica; and her grandchildren Lenny, Garrett, Jason (deceased), Sim, Denee, Catherine Lee, Mary Porter, and Reid.

A memorial service will be held at 11am on September 27, 2025 at Hankins & Whittington, 1111 East Blvd, Charlotte.