Opal "Glynell" Sewell

Glynell Sewell, 83, of Bonham, TX was born Opal Glynell Crelia in Leonard, TX on January 30,1941. She entered into her Heavenly Home on April 29, 2024. Arrangements are under the direction of Wise Funeral Home, Bonham, TX.

Glynell was born the youngest of 5 children to parents William Edgar and Opal (Nance) Crelia. Her father was Bonham High School's first Band Director. Her mother was a Sunday school teacher. Growing up, Glynell enjoyed listening to her father's band students practice on Main Street every Thursday night. Her father taught her to twirl a baton, and as a little girl, she would get pulled out of elementary school class for an hour at a time to give the high school twirlers lessons on the fundamentals of baton twirling. Young Glynell could also be found playing in pastures, climbing trees, and talking for hours with her best friend, Beverly. In High School, Glynell joined her father's marching band playing the Clarinet at first, then the Tenor Sax. It was not long before she earned the title of Majorette, the head baton twirler. With childhood dreams of being a secretary for the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Glynell won the Interscholastic shorthand contest in school and was recommended for a position as secretary to County Judge Choice Moore when she graduated from Bonham High School in 1959.

Glynell met the love of her life, Juan Sewell, Sr., as a Junior in High School. She was married to her soulmate on July 17, 1959 in Bonham. One year later, the local bank President called and offered Glynell a job as a bookkeeper. Thus, embarking upon her 47-year career in the banking industry. From bookkeeper to Senior Vice President of Bonham State Bank, Glynell touched many lives along the way. As an Army National Guard family in the early years of their marriage, Glynell stood by Juan through many out of state assignments, conversing with one another only through Telegram. Juan still proudly boasts about the time Glynell won The Army National Guard Sweetheart beauty pageant.
Juan and Glynell had three children whom she adored. She once said of motherhood, "I have loved every minute of it."

Glynell was known for her piercing blue eyes, rich brunette hair, and signature hot pink, or red, lipstick. Being no stranger to fashion, you might even catch her dressed in her Sunday best, jewelry and heels included, while helping her cowboy fix fence, take care of the livestock, and tend to chores around Sewell Ranch; initially in Randolph, then later establishing their ranch in Bonham. Calling Fannin County "home" her entire life. She was undoubtedly the best wife and ranch hand Juan could have asked for. Maybe it was her unwavering love and loyalty that made her irreplaceable, or maybe it was her ability to throw together the best tasting picnic lunches this side of the Red River; made up of ham or pimiento
cheese sandwiches, Lays potato chips, and ice-cold Dr. Pepper; for those long, hot days working on the ranch. Glynell thoroughly enjoyed her horse racing days at Juan's side, even winning The Yellow Rose of Texas race in Lubbock, TX in the 1970's.

Active in her community, Glynell was a member of Bonham's Business and Professional Women's (BPW) club, now known as Texas Business Women of Bonham. Glynell was one of the guiding forces behind the development of the local chapter of the statewide organization that empowers women to succeed professionally, as well as, on a personal level. She was elected President of the club in 1981. At a convention held in Houston, TX in 1985, Glynell was elected the top BPW President for all clubs in the State of Texas. That same year, Glynell became a grandmother, more affectionately known as Meemaw, and wore that title proudly for nearly 39 years. In 1992, she obtained her Associate of Applied Science degree from Grayson County College. She was a member of the 2002-2003 Grayson County College Business & Management Advisory Committee, and was nominated for the 2003 Bonham BPW club "Boss of the Year" award. Having known former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, Mr. Sam Rayburn, himself, Glynell also enjoyed her years as a member of The Friends of Sam Rayburn, a non-
profit organization that supports the Sam Rayburn House Historic Site and the Sam Rayburn Museum. Retiring from Bonham State Bank as Senior Vice President in 2006, Glynell went on to win the "Woman of the Year" award from the Bonham BPW club in 2007, which came as no surprise to those who knew her, as she was frequently referred to as an incredible friend and mentor throughout the community.
Glynell eventually came out of retirement and spent seven years working for the Bonham Independent School District before finally "hanging up her heels" one last time, in exchange for slower days on the ranch watching her grandbabies grow. She held membership status at just three churches throughout her lifetime; First Baptist Church Bonham as a child, First Baptist Church Randolph in her early to mid-adult years, and most
notably the last 19 years with her beloved Boyd Baptist Church. The only thing stronger than Glynell's love for others, was her Faith in God.

Throughout her life, Glynell enjoyed singing in the church, riding horses, going dancing on New Years Eve, playing dominoes aka "bones", taking clogging classes, the bowling league, joining Silver Sneakers at Curves gym, and following her precious grandchildren around to all of their rodeos and sporting events. Glynell was kind and generous in helping those in need. She had a profound love for her children and grandchildren that no one could measure. She was the best wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend that anyone could have ever been blessed with.

Glynell is preceded in death by her parents; brother Cramer Crelia; sisters Joretta Crelia brother, Edward "Ed" Crelia, and Erlanna Hall; and grandson Dustan Sewell.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 64 years, Juan Russell Sewell, Sr.; her children, Juan Sewell Jr. (Cathy Moncier), Michele Renea Sewell, and Delno (Amber) Sewell; her grandchildren, Courtney Sewell-Adams, Ava Jarratt, Blair Sewell, Tanner Sewell, Kylee Sewell, and Ryner Sewell; her great-grandchildren, Ridge Adams, Cambria Wright, Arielle Wright, Emory Wright, Paisley Wright, Chase Collinsworth; and a host of other family and friends.

Pallbearers: Blair Sewell, Tanner Sewell, Kim Hayes, Jerry Wayne Sewell, Jason Sewell, Allen Adams, Fredy Chandler, and Eli Long. Honorary Pallbearer: Kevin Hayes. Family Night is Sunday, 05/05/2024 from 6 to 8pm at Wise Valley Chapel in Bonham.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, 05/06/2024 at 12pm in the Wise Valley Chapel at Wise Funeral Home.  Interment will follow at Willow Wild Cemetery in Bonham.

The family would like to extend sincere appreciation for the entire care team at Hospice Plus. Special appreciation to Becky Davis, RN Clinical Manager, Katie Oates, MSW, Kristen Fogelberg, RN, Caitlyn Robinson, RN and Jayna Flowers, CNA for loving our Southern Belle so well during the final months of her journey home.