Opal Rhea Swaity passed away peacefully with her loving husband Paul at her side on December 26, 2010 in Victoria, British Columbia. Opal was born June 17, 1923 in Chattanooga, (Red Bank) TN and enjoyed a family-centred childhood. She was valedictorian of the first graduating class of Red Bank High School. In 1946 she was the first recipient of the Scholze Scholarship given by the Chattanooga Music Club. Throughout her life Opal cherished a deep love of music. She graduated from the University of Chattanooga with a BA in music in 1947 and later studied voice at the Julliard School in NYC. Shortly after joining the music faculty of Shorter College in Rome, GA she married Paul Swaity in 1952. Together they travelled throughout Canada and the southern US before settling in NYC where she continued to perform as soloist at churches and civic functions. She joined the New York Philharmonic in 1958 and retired from there in 1983. In 2004 she went with her husband to Victoria, British Columbia.
Opie loved to sing and she continued to share the gift of song even when her health was failing. We cherish those times of listening and joining in. Her gracious spirit remains with us all.
Opal was preceded in death by her parents, Wesley and Clara Rhea; four sisters: Gladys Wallace, Leoma Young, Nina Robbs, and Margueritte Swingle; and her brother, Claude Rhea. She is survived by her husband, Paul Swaity and a sister, Dot Godsey, of Chattanooga. Opal is remembered with love and affection by her many nieces and nephews across the USA and Canada.
A Funeral Service to celebrate her life will be held on Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 1:00 pm at McCall Bros. Family Chapel, Johnson and Vancouver Streets. In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer’s society in your area. Condolences may be offered to the family at McCall Bros.com.
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Manuel Welchez
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John Quinn Paul,
I am sorry to hear of your wife’s passing.
I was one of your southern organizers in TWUA in the early 1970’s, working under your direction and under Regional Organizing Director John Kissack. I reported to your office in New York before taking my first assignment on a campaign in Hawkinsville, GA. After our meeting, You invited me back to your apartment where you introduced me to Ms. Opal. What a lovely lady!
After my time with TWUA I went to law school and became a union attorney representing unions in the Southeast. I still have clients in Charlotte working out of the old union office and in Chattanooga where the Joint Board was located (Mercury Building). I have many fond memories of TWUA and value your friendship, mentoring and guidance.
Love and best wishes,
John
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Christie Dearest Paul,
I hope this message finds you in peace and comfort in the family that loves you. We shall all miss Opal and her bright light; her admirable spirit. For me, Opal was so dear because she was one of Margueritte’s sisters and a frequent visitor to her home. When Opal came to visit everyone was excited and eager to be near her. She was someone special. For us younger ones, Opal was an icon of sophistication and grace. I will remember her well.
Love
Christie (Brian, Theodora, and Cassandra)
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Tiffany Potter So sorry to hear of Opal’s passing but I know that she is in a better place. I have such fond memories of spending time with my “adventurous” great-aunt and uncle growing up, and I will never forget the wonderful hospitality you both showed me in NYC just before I set out on my own first big adventure to Africa. May you find peace.
Love,
Tiffany Potter
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Stefanie Swingle Foster Our Dear Sweet Paul,
I can not begin to express the heavy heart that I have for you during this time. I know how very deeply you loved Opal and how very much she will be missed. I will always carry the precious memories that I have of growing up at Margueritte and Theodore’s and the time that we spent there with you and Opal. The love that you both had for each other is one that I have admired my entire life and can only hope and pray to find that same love myself one day. I know that Opal is now singing with the angels at the right hand of God, and I am most certain that Margueritte and the the rest of the Rhea gang are right along beside her. And I look forward to the day that I can be there to join right in with them! Please know that you will remain in my thought and prayers over these next few tough days, and that we all love and miss you very much here in the States.
With all of my love,
Stefanie Swingle Foster
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Lynn and Carolyn Rhea Paul, we are so sorry to hear about Opal’s death. Just know that our prayers are with you. Warmly in Christ, Lynn and Carolyn
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Tab, Margaret and Charlie Billingsley Paul: We all love you and Opal and will miss hearing her lovely voice. Whilst growing up in Red Bank and to this day – I am always proud to tell folks about my great aunt and uncle in New York/Victoria and all of your wonderful accomplishments. The beautiful life that you and Opal built together is a true inspiration to our family. We will be thinking of both of you and hope to see you one day soon.
Love,
Tab, Margaret and Charlie
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Shana Weber Opal’s love of music and the simple lovely things in life will always inspire myself and my family. What a beautiful warm unique soul. We are all thinking of you and so admire your love for Opal and your giving heart. Much love to you Paul.
Shana, Frank, Wesley, Harrison, and Emma Weber
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Mitch Rhea Paul,
I am so sorry to hear of Opal’s passing. I will always remember your visits to Chattanooga and my visits to NYC and CT.Take care,
Mitch
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Gene (Swingle) Adams Opal was such a genuine, sweet, lovely lady and so talented. She was always very humble about her lovely singing voice, which we got to hear when she would visit and go to church with the family. I have such fond memories of the summer visits when Opal and Paul would stay with Margueritte and Theodore and we would take Lynn and Stefanie over and enjoy the veggies from Theodore’s garden. I am sure that the sisters and Claude are having a great reunion in heaven – but Opal will be missed here by all who knew her. I wish God’s peace and blessings for all the family and her friends.
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Lynn Swingle Paul – I am so sorry to hear about Opal. I loved her a lot and love you too. I remember all of the great times we had. Please take care of yourself.
Love,
Lynn Swingle
Paul;
I am hopeful this message will reach you, particularly after so many year since we last saw you. I am Manuel Welchez, husband to Francine , daughter of Jack and Ruth Rubenstein. For a very long time my wife has searched for you and we just came across Opal’ s obituary, hence this message.
We hope you are well and if possible, would love to have the opportunity to say hello. We live in Southern California.
With our best wishes,
Manuel