Cora Ophelia Oakley, was received into the loving arms of her Lord and Savior on September 26, 2025, at the age of 85.
Born on January 25, 1940, in Daleville to the late Jessie Silas Simmons, Jr and Hartie Jane Windham, Cora was the beloved wife of Patrick Michael Oakley, with whom she shared a beautiful and enduring love story spanning over 60 years. Together, they raised two wonderful sons, Tony Oakley (Sherrie) and David Oakley (Wendy), who in turn gave her the joy of being a grandmother to Katherine Oakley Olson (Luke), Alexander Lucas Oakley (Madeline), Emma Ashton Oakley, Olivia Arden Oakley, and William Addison Oakley. Her legacy continued to blossom with her great-grandchildren, Eleanor Jane Olson, Charlie Oakley, and Jack Oakley, who brought immense joy and laughter into her later years.
A graduate of Rehobeth High School, Ophelia carried the values of her education throughout her life, applying them to her various roles and hobbies. She was a cherished member of Southside Baptist Church in Dothan, where her faith and commitment to service were evident in her actions and the warmth she extended to others. Ophelia’s passions were many and varied. She had a particular talent for nurturing beauty, whether it was through her award-winning roses as a member of the Wiregrass Rose Society or through the strokes of her paintbrush as a painter. Her love for nature extended to caring for her chickens, cats, and dogs which brought her simple, daily joy. In the kitchen, Ophelia was unrivaled, especially when it came to baking cakes. Her culinary creations were not just a treat for the taste buds but a demonstration of her love and generosity. She also had a magical touch with fabrics, creating quilts and sewing garments that will be cherished for generations.
But perhaps her most profound role was that of a Prayer Warrior. Ophelia’s unwavering faith was the cornerstone of her existence, and her prayers were a source of comfort and strength for many. Her selfless nature shone through in every aspect of her life, from her generous spirit to her capacity to love unconditionally. Family was indeed Ophelia’s heart. She instilled in her loved ones the importance of togetherness, kindness, and compassion. Her presence was a warm embrace, her words a soothing balm, and her actions a reflection of her faith-filled life.
Funeral services for Ophelia will be held at 1 PM, Sunday, September 28, 2025 at Southside Baptist Church in Dothan with Dr. Jerry Grandstaff officiating. Burial will follow in Memory Hill Cemetery with Ward Wilson Funeral Home directing. The family will receive friends from 12 PM until 1 PM, prior to the service at Southside Baptist Church in Dothan.
