Obituary of Clara Opal Stow

Clara Opal Allen Stow, daughter of Kirby and Clara Brigman., was born on May 9, 1918, in Joy, Missouri. She went to be with her Savior on July 15, 2014, at the age of 96 years old. She was saved at a early age . and served the Lord throughout her life in many capacities in the churches she attended. Her most prominent role was a pianist, but she always was willing to do whatever she could for her Lord. On November 23, 1942, she was united in marriage with Charles Allen of Joy, Missouri. To this union one child was born, Joyce. Charles preceded her in death on August 30, 1970. She was united to Howard H. Stow on June 16, 1973, enlarging her family to include another daughter, Jan, and three sons, Ronnie, Doug, and Tim. Howard preceded her in death on April 9, 2003. She was a dedicated educator who taught for 28 years beginning in a one room school at the age of 18 and ended her career as a Fourth Grade teacher at Cabool Elementary School. One of her greatest joys was listening to gospel music and playing the piano or guitar. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leabern (her brother), and Virginia (her sister). Opal is survived by her daughter, Joyce and Sonny Hagen of Edgar Springs, MO., and her stepdaughter, Jan and Gene Balestriere of Keyport, NJ., and her stepsons: Ron and Marlys Stow of Houston, MO, Doug and Denise Stow of Sun City, AZ, and Tim and Sandy Stow of Houston, MO; also surviving her are 12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren.