Opal Dillard Maynard

Herrin Opal Dillard Maynard, 91, of Herrin died at 6:50 PM, Saturday, September 27, 2003 at her home. Mrs. Maynard was born March 1, 1912 in Herrin, IL, one of three daughters, to Clarence and Lela Carracker Dillard. She married Paul Sylvan Maynard on September 6, 1936 in Herrin. He died March 11, 1990. Opal Maynard was well known in Southern Illinois for her watercolor and oil paintings of natural landscapes and for the many portraits she painted of local residents. Her work is displayed in homes and public and private institutions throughout the region. Until recently, she taught three art classes a week in her home studio. Many of her students have become recognized artists and teachers. In her youth she performed as a violinist and taught violin to young musicians. During WW II she worked in the Ordill Area. Because she was an artist she was assigned to letter munitions and artillery in restricted areas of the plant. She also worked at both the Herrin Supply Company and Woolworths. Opal Maynard was a 1929 graduate of Herrin Township High School and during her adult life she took art classes at Southern Illinois University and John A. Logan College. She was a member of the Herrin Womens Club and a life-long member and lay leader of Herrin First Christian Church. On her 90th birthday she was honored by the City of Herrin, when Mayor Victor Ritter proclaimed March 1, 2002 as Opal Dillard Maynard Day. Some 200 well-wishers honored her at Herrin City Hall. Both Mayor Ritter and Mayor Neil Dillard of Carbondale, her second cousin, spoke at the celebration. Survivors include: Several nieces and nephews: Dillard A. Larson Ft. Myers, FL Carolyn Tygett Easterly LaBelle, FL Judy Maynard Cagle Peoria, IL Robert Paul Maynard Lawrence, KS Kim Maynard Greensboro, NC Jeannine Maynard Cooper Savannah, GA James Ballowe Ottawa, IL First cousin Elbert N. Dillard Herrin Her parents, husband and two sisters, Irene Tygett and Edith Larson, preceded her in death. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, October 1, 2003 at Johnson Hughes Funeral Home in Herrin. Rev. Ron Henwood will officiate and nephew, Dr. James Ballowe, will offer brief remarks for the family. Visitation will be from 9:00 AM until time of service Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Herrin City Cemetery Memorials may be made to Herrin First Christian Church, Little Egypt Art Association (Tower Square, Marion, IL), or to VNA-TIP Hospice and will be accepted at Johnson Hughes, PO Box 429, Herrin, IL 62948. For more information or to sign the memorial guest register, please visit www.hughesfuneralhomes.com