ISLANDTON:     Opal M. Benton, of Islandton, passed away Wednesday morning, February 25, 2026 at the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston.  She was 52.

Opal was born in Colleton County June 29, 1973 a daughter of Teresa Hatchell and the late Wendell "Wendy" Benton.  She was employed for many years as a housekeeper with Atlantic Best Cleaners, and she was a member of Pine Grove Baptist Church.  Opal was truly what is known as "One of a kind".  She possessed a vibrant and outgoing personality that was a source of joy and strength to her family and friends.  She loved music, and was often heard singing to those around her.  Her favorite times were spent on the water, whether it was laying if the crashing waves of the ocean, or simply digging her toes into the soft bank of a stream or pond.  She loved her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ with all of her heart, and had recently been attending Refuge Church.  Family was the cornerstone of her life as well, and the most important thing to her in this world was he beloved daughter River, and she always placed the needs of her child before her own.  Her spirit will live on through her.

In addition to her mother Teresa, Opal is survived by her daughter, River Peters.  She has one brother, Trent Benton, a step-brother Trent Jones (Monica), and a step-sister Lexie Hiers (Bryan). She leaves behind her step-mother Debbie Benton, as well as nieces and nephews Cody Lane Goodwin (Courtney), William Tyler Goodwin, Banks Benton, Qaun Goodwin, Monte Goodwin, and Steven Hart.  Opal is survived by aunts and uncles Harold Hatchell, Wanda H. Ackerman, DeLano V. Halter (Mike), LaCrissa V. Stone (William), Sherrie V. White (Jimmy), Michael Varnadoe (Elizabeth), and Frankie M. Varnadoe (Cindy).  There is a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family that will miss her dearly.

In addition to her father Wendy, she was preceded in death by her sister Brooke Goodwin, by her maternal grandparents Franklin "Bunky" and Catherine Smoak Varnadoe, and by her paternal grandparents Clifton and Edna Nettles Benton.

A celebration of Opal's life will be held Saturday, February 28, 2026 at 2:00 at Pine Grove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.  Parker-Rhoden Funeral Home, 117 Paul Street in Walterboro is in charge of arrangements.