Opal McDowell Surber, age 102, was born on December 11, 1910, in Somerset, Kentucky and went to be with the Lord on Tuesday (January 8, 2013).

She was the oldest of twelve children born to George and Pearl(Fortner) McDowell. She was preceded in death by her parents, nine siblings, one grandchild, and her husband, Welzie B. Surber.

Survivors include four children: Nancy (Robert) Gibson of Ewing, Virginia, Joy (Dennis) Fox of Ewing, Virginia, Karl (Mary) Surber of Atlanta, Georgia, John (Barbara) Surber of Jonesville, Virginia; and seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

She is also survived by two sisters: Lillie Chumley, Speedwell, Tennessee and Edwena Jennings, Tazewell, Tennessee; a sister-in-law, Juanita McDowell, Tazewell, Tennessee; special nieces and nephews and many other friends and relatives.

Although Mrs. Surber’s life began in Somerset, KY., it also included nine years as a child with her family in Richland, OR, and as a young adult in Claiborne County, TN. Except for three years in Oak Ridge, TN. during World War II, the family home has been in Ewing, Virginia since 1940.

Mrs. Surber was a devoted wife, dedicated mother, caring educator and devout Christian. She was a member of Morgan Memorial United Methodist Church, Rose Hill, VA. where she taught Sunday School for many years.

The family will receive friends on Friday, January 11, 2013, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Arney-Mullins Funeral Home, Rose Hill, VA. The funeral service will be on Saturday, January 12, 2013, at 11AM at Morgan Memorial United Methodist Church, Rose Hill, VA. with the Rev.Norman Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Jones Cemetery, Ewing, VA.

The body will lie in state one hour prior to services.

Pallbearers are Bruce Gibson, Brian Gibson, Aaron Fox, Wayne McNew, Jim McDowell, Mike Day.

Honorary Pallbearers are Robert Charles Smith, Billie Lou Smith, Joe Daniel, Nancy Smith, Pauline Cavin, Becky Sprinkle Royal, Sherry Brown.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Ewing Circuit United Methodist Benevolence Fund, P. O. Box 148, Rose Hill, Virginia 24281.

For online condolences to the Surber family, please visit www.arney-mullinsfuneralhomes.com.

Arney-Mullins Funeral Home of Rose Hill is in charge of arrangements.