Opal L. Brinkley, 81, Rural Valley, passed away December 18, 2011 at Armstrong County Memorial Hospital. Born February 27, 1930 in Plumville, a daughter of Alonzo Blaine and Geneva Isabel (Rearick) Millen.

Preceded in death by her parents, husbands Richard H. Nelson and Donald E. Brinkley, infant daughter Karen Louise, brother Howard, and sister Margie Uhron.

Survived by her children: Richard Nelson married to the former Patricia Headley, Kevin Nelson married to the former Kim Krecota, all of Rural Valley, Robert Brinkley married to the former Regina Killian, Slate Lick, and Shawn Brinkley married to the former Diane Shish, Berlin; Grandchildren: Christine (Todd) Hadden, William Nelson, Kiley (David) Cribbs, Matthew (Tracy) Nelson, Jennifer, Brian, Jessica, Benjamin (Jaclyn), and Jerrica Brinkley, and Stephanie (Robert) Gudauskas; Great grandchildren: Chase, Adrianna, Mia, Mason, Alix, and Alaina. Sister-in-law of: Ann Dickey, Rural Valley, Ivan Brinkley, Oklahoma, Elizabeth Brinkley, Ohio, Thomas Uhron, Indiana, PA and Myrenia Millen, Ohio. Also survived by numerous nieces and nephews.

She was a 1948 graduate of Shannock Valley High School and a graduate of the Kittanning Beauty School. She was a self-employed beautician for 26 years. Member of Rural Valley United Methodist Church, Rural Valley Fire Auxiliary, and American Legion Post 523 Ladies Auxiliary. She enjoyed reading, playing on her computer, talking with her friends, playing Bingo, crocheting, and spending time with her family.

Family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Carson/Boyer Funeral Home, where service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Rev. Craig Lindahl officiating. Interment Rural Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be given in her name to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Gulf Tower, 707 Grant St. 37th Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15219-1916.