Obituary of Mrs. Opal Ballio Thomisee

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her." – Proverbs 31:28

Mrs. Opal Ballio Thomisee, a devoted servant of the Lord, entered into eternal rest on March 20, 2025, at her residence in Winnfield, Louisiana. Born on October 21, 1945, in Dodson, she was the beloved daughter of the late Lewis Willis Ballio and Annie Lee Thompson Ballio. She was preceded in death by her cherished husband, Jerry Thomisee, as well as her siblings, Leela Nored, Richard W. Ballio, and James Ballio.

A lifelong woman of faith, Mrs. Thomisee was a steadfast and beloved member of the First Baptist Church of Dodson, where she dedicated 38 years to teaching Sunday School. She was a beacon of kindness and encouragement, ministering to others through her heartfelt outreach—sending countless get-well, sympathy, and birthday cards to church members, family, and friends.

She found great joy in life's simple blessings—her daily walks in the fresh air, the fruits of her labor in her vegetable and flower gardens, and the warmth of a well-prepared meal. She was especially known for her lovingly prepared fried fish and her famous coconut cake, dishes that will be remembered with fondness by those who gathered at her table.

Her greatest treasures in life were her family. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Robert Lewis Thomisee and wife Shelia, and Steven Harrison Thomisee; her adored grandchildren, Amber Ford, Beeahna Thomisee, and Emily Thomisee; and her precious great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her step-grandchildren, Justin Carter and Blake Carter; step-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate her life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, in the chapel of Southern Funeral Home, with Reverends Jessie Henderson, Robert Leach, and Mac Brunson officiating. Interment will follow at Bethel Cemetery in Colfax.

Friends are invited to visit with the family at Southern Funeral Home on Monday, March 24, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and again on Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Serving as pallbearers will be David Hodges, David Greer, Thomas Ray Berry, Blake Carter, Gary Robinson, and Rev. Hayward Hossler. Honorary pallbearers include Justin Carter and John Jones Jr.

Memorial donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Dodson, a place that held her heart and where her faithful service will long be remembered.