Opal Crain Thompson

Opal Crain Thompson, 93, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on September 6, 2026, peacefully at home surrounded by family. She was born on November 15, 1932, in Murphy, North Carolina, to John and Eva Stansberry Crain.

Mrs. Thompson will be remembered for her faithful involvement in her church and community. She was a longtime member of Corinth Baptist Church in New Ellenton, SC. She was also a member of the VFW Post 5877 Ladies Auxilliary and a lifetime member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Jackson Chapter 238. Through these connections, she shared in the life of her community with dedication and fellowship.

Above all, Opal will be remembered as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister whose life touched those around her in lasting ways. She was preceded in death by her husband, James "J.T." Thompson; her parents, John and Eva Stansberry Crain; her daughters, Connie Thompson and Julia “Judy” Gilbert; and her sisters, Bertha Coleman and Mizie Allen.

She leaves behind a loving family to cherish her memory, including her daughter, Patricia Arthurs (Mike), and her son, Greg Thompson (Lynn). She is also survived by her grandchildren, Derek Thompson (Ashley), Shana Smart (fiancée Scott Rains), Nicholas Thompson, Adam Thompson, Phillip Arthurs (Lynn), Brenda Hicks (Anthony), and Randy Arthurs and 12 greatgrandchildren. Their love and remembrance stand as a lasting tribute to her life and the bonds she held so dearly.

The family will receive friends Friday morning, September 11th from 10 until 11 o'clock at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home. A funeral service will follow at 11 o'clock. Interment will be in Aiken Memorial Gardens. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Champ1 Research foundation givebutter.com/champ1researchfoundation with note in Loving Memory of Opal Thompson

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC