Opal Gregory McAlpin

Opal Gregory McAlpin of Clemson, SC, formerly of Atlanta, GA, died on January 4th, 2015 at age 88 after a long battle with memory loss. She was born May 23rd, 1926, in Grayson, LA, to George W. Gregory and Carrie Myers Gregory. One of nine children, she was a member of the 1941 state champion high school girl's basketball team at Grayson High School. She attended business college in Baton Rouge, LA, and worked in a variety of businesses as a secretary and administrative assistant. She worked more than 25 years for the DeKalb County, GA, School System. A strong and gracious wife and caregiver for her husband Mark for more than 30 years, she loved her church, her flowers that she often shared with friend and neighbors, and her family.

Mrs. McAlpin was preceded in death by her husband, Mark L. McAlpin, and eight siblings: Benjamin Gregory, Loice G. McCarty, Belton Gregory, Marie G. Haddox, Lozelle G. Rozema, Audrey Gregory, Clayton Gregory, Elton Gregory.

She is survived by three children: Karen M. McDougal (Gary), Newton, NC; David McAlpin (Nanell), Kansas City, MO; and Nancy M. Spitler (Hugh), Clemson, SC; 6 grandchildren: Patrick McDougal, Long Creek, SC; Katherine M. Dancel (Rex), Chapel Hill, NC; Benjamin McAlpin, St. Louis, MO; Stephen McAlpin (Emily), Los Angeles, CA; Donald Spitler; William Spitler, Clemson, SC; one great-grand-daughter, Remedy Jane McAlpin, Los Angeles, CA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Belvedere Commons and Clemson Downs for their special attention and love.

Donations may be made to Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Center, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (www.shepherd.org).

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.