Service Details

A life celebration service is scheduled for Opal at
the Chapel at Arlington Cemetery,
2900 State Road, Drexel Hill PA 19026

Funeral Company

Toppitzer Funeral Home, Drexel Hill, PA

The Story

Opal Renee Beckford - affectionately known as 'Opie', was born October 6, 1962 to Joslyn and Veronica Beckford in St Catherine Jamaica.

Opal completed her elementary and high school education in Jamaica and then earned her undergraduate and post graduate degrees in Business Administration in the United States.

Opal truly loved the Lord and accepted him as her Savior at Christ Temple Apostolic
Church in Jamaica, where she was a faithful member, choir member and youth leader.

After migrating to the US, Opal also served faithfully in the youth department at Christ Church of Deliverance, joyfully providing love and support to the youth and her peers in Hartford, CT.
Opal later moved to PA, where she again served in various ministries in her local church - Christ Haven Pentecostal Church in Darby.

A mother of one son, Collin - Opal never missed an opportunity to spoil him, single-handedly ensuring a great education, and sharing life lessons. There was seldom a year that Opal and Collin did not vacation together, visiting locations in both the US and overseas.

As a sister and aunt, Opal never forgot a birthday, Christmas or Easter basket, and doted on her nieces and nephews year after year, much to their delight.

Opal was ambitious and intentional about her career: a hard worker, she exemplified excellent work ethics and tenacity, and often rose thru the ranks to management and leadership positions. She was most recently employed at Vanguard in Berwyn, PA.

Opal's vibrant personality and zest for life brought fun and adventure to those who knew her well. She enjoyed fine dining, the theater and fine arts; and made a hobby of traveling and shopping.
Opal had a huge heart for the gospel of Jesus Christ and gave generously to numerous ministries - providing hope and help to the less fortunate. Opal was blessed and well ­loved.

Opal departed life on March 6, 2016. She is preceded in death by her father Jason Beckford and her sister Esther Beckford. Opal leaves to cherish her memory, her beloved son, Collin Marsh; her mother, Veronica Beckford; three sisters Grace Pownall, Faith Beckford and Valerie Hawes; one brother Lauriston Beckford; two brothers-­in­-law, Jason Pownall and Leon Hawes;
five nieces Kaydria Pownall, Naomi Beckford, Madison Beckford, Morgan Beckford and Carrington Hawes; four nephews, Kareem Pownall, Daniel Beckford, Joseph Beckford, and Isaiah Beckford; four aunts, Theresa Harrison Imogene Fleming, Elaine Beckford and Prudence Robinson; One uncle Granville Beckford; a host of very special cousins; and so many dear friends and colleagues.

May her soul rest in peace.