Opal Marie Pierce Hartley

Opal Pierce Hartley, 98, of Asheville, went home to be with the Lord on December 15, 2025. She passed away peacefully at her home at Givens Estates.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John Lex Hartley, Jr. and her daughter, Beverly Pierce Hartley.

She is survived by her daughter, Becky Hartley Brown (her husband, David) of Asheville; grandsons, Matthew Hartley Greene of Kernersville and Samuel Austin Greene of Raleigh; step-granddaughters, Stephanie Brown (Chris Bravo) of Raleigh and Laura Brown (Patrick Hayden) of Hood River, OR.

Opal was born in Lenoir, NC on October 14, 1927 to the late Viola and Oscar Pierce. She was the youngest of three girls and was preceded in death by her sisters, Sudie Childers and Elizabeth Baker. The sisters were very close, as were their families, sharing every holiday together throughout their lives and cherishing one another deeply.

Opal met John in Lenoir, and they were married in February of 1952. Together, they built a wonderful life rooted in faith, love, and respect, and were always deeply devoted to one another.

Opal considered her most important role to be raising their two daughters and, in later years, caring for John, as well as her grandsons Matt and Austin, who dearly loved her.

She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Asheville, where she served in many capacities, including cooking for Wednesday night church meals.

Opal was a wonderful cook and delighted in introducing her family and friends to new and exciting dishes.

Opal will be most remembered for her infectious laugh and wonderful sense of humor. Throughout her 98 years, she faced many challenges with grace and continued to make those around her laugh along the way. She will be deeply missed.

A Memorial Service to honor Opal’s life will be held at 1:30 PM on Sunday, December 28 in the Norma Pulliam Chapel at Givens Estates, with a reception to follow in the community room.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Asheville’s Sacred Garden, 5 Oak Street, Asheville NC 28801.

Groce Funeral Home’s Lake Julian team is assisting the family.