Opal Burnside

Opal Emmaline Burnside passed away peacefully on December 1, 2014 in Byron Center, MI. She was born July 31, 1924, in Knoxville (Bearden), TN. Her parents were Charlie and Tintie (Collins) Johnson, who preceded her in death, as did her only sister, Zelma Heatherly. When she was a child, the family moved to a farm located near the town of Kingston, Tennessee. Growing up, they worked the land together, helping plow and plant the fields, during the great depression. Much of the food they used came from their farm animals. The rest was harvested from the garden, or the fields. Opal moved to Michigan, in 1941. First she lived in Ypsilanti, and worked at the state hospital there. In 1942, she moved to the Kalamazoo area, to work at a local restaurant. After the war, she was employed as a switchboard operator with both Michigan Bell, and Borgess Hospital. Opal always had an interest in the simple beauty of nature. She was especially fond of birds, and gardening. Her plants were always in top condition, and her garden once received recognition in the Kalamazoo Gazette. In 1948 she married Robert Burnside, who preceded her in death, in 2001. Opal is survived by one son, Gary, along with his wife Alice, and two grandchildren, Glen, and Chad. She is also survived by a number of nieces, and nephews. The family would like to thank the staff at Railside Assisted Living, and Barn Swallow Manor, in Byron Center, MI. They would also like to thank Grace Hospice, for their care in recent months. Friends and family will be received at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Memorial Chapel, 622 South Burdick Street, Kalamazoo, MI this Saturday, December 6, from 10:00am to 11:00am. Services will follow at 11:00am. Private burial will be in Ft. Custer National Cemetery on Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to the American Heart Association.