Opal Leavonies Lanman, age 69 of Sparta, TN, passed away at Cumberland Medical Center on April 25, 2023.

She was born on February 26, 1954, in Benham, KY (Harlan County), the daughter of the late Charlie Morris and Cecil (Hubbs) Taylor. She was married to William Lanman just shy of 25 wonderful years.

Opal was a devout Christian and an independent owner-operator of “Lanman Trucking”, along with her husband William, with whom she teamed. Over the course of 16 years, they traveled over 3 million miles together while in the industry.

Opal had a heart of gold and shared it with many, both far and near. Her impact is generational. Many people benefited from her friendship and unconditional love. Her family was paramount and if you were her friend, she made you feel like family. Her hobbies included cooking, off-roading, antiquing, and gardening at their log cabin. Opal was famous for her sausage, biscuits, and gravy. She enjoyed spending quality time with loved ones. She also enjoyed music of all kinds but was partial to country, Motown, and rock & roll. She embodied selflessness and will be remembered by many for her reassuring words and guidance during difficult times. Friends often opened up to her, along with people whom she just met. Opal will be remembered for her welcoming demeanor, zest for life, and a wonderful sense of humor. She excelled professionally in the service industry, child development, logistics, and manufacturing to name a few. She carried herself with style, pride, and grace in everything she did.

She is survived by her husband, William Lanman; daughter, Leavonies Michelle Fontaine, and husband, William Garfield Fontaine II; son, Edward Henry Faulkner II, and wife, Jennifer Lee Faulkner; grandchildren, Dominique Leavonies Marvin, Jaxson William Faulkner, Crystal Gail Hoozer and Alison Rebecca MacDonald; great-grandchildren, Morgan Leann Dzikoski, Michael Lee Dzikoski, Luke Marshall Hoozer, Zechariah Judah Hoozer, Caleb Michael-Bradley MacDonald, and Kaitlynne Alannah Stockwell; great-great grandson, Evan Matthew Wilson; brothers, Daniel Morris and wife, June, Elmer Slusher, Charles Morris and Grover  Taylor, Jr. and wife, Debbie; sister, Bonnie Burton and husband, Jim. Many cherished nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

In addition to her parents, Opal is preceded in death by her great-grandson, Gary “Mathew” Dzikoski, Jr.; brother, Fred Morris and wife, Shelby; brother, Raymond Morris and wife, Joyce; sister, Carolyn Dawn (Morris) Miracle; sister, Charlene (Morris) Ford and husband, John; sister, Roxie (Morris) London; nieces, Carolyn “Sue” Wiest, Sherry Morris and Rhonda Morris; nephew, Seth Burton.

Funeral Services will be held at Bilbrey Funeral Home on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at 3:00 PM (Central Time) with visitation from 1:00-3:00 PM. Burial will follow at Green Acres Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorial donations be made in Opal’s honor to the American Cancer Society or the Humane Society of your choice.