Florence S O'Neal's Obituary
Florence Martha Schuetz O’Neal was the youngest of six children born on February 11, 1927, to Louis M. and Luetta Schuetz, a pioneer family of Beauregard Parish, Louisiana. Florence departed this life on December 16, 2018 at the age of 91.
Florence married Ralph Edward O’Neal on April 14, 1950, and of this marriage two children were born, namely Edward Neal O’Neal and Martha Ann O’Neal.
Together, Florence and Ralph built and founded O’Neal’s Feeders Supply, Inc., on June 10, 1953, where Florence actively worked as Secretary-Treasurer for fifty-five years, and part-time for another eight years. The business will celebrate its 65th year of business in 2019. During that time, Ralph predeceased Florence in death on October 13, 1970.
Florence was an active member of the Civinettes, the ladies’ auxiliary to the Civitan Club. She assisted with the Civinettes and Civitan Clubs’ grassroots efforts to establish the Beauregard Activities Center, which over the years has continued to grow and is now known as the Beauregard Association of Retarded Children. Florence continued to be a loyal supporter of BARC until her health declined. She was also a charter member of the Beauregard Cowbelles, now known as the Louisiana CattleWomen, Inc.
Over the years she was supportive of her children’s activities, including being an active member of P.T.A., serving as room mother for eight years, teaching Sunday School, Royal Ambassadors, Girl’s Auxiliary, and Sunbeams at her church and at the Cole and Warren Street Mission Church; and Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Blue Birds, and Brownies in the community.
In December, 2003, Florence was named as Grand Marshall of the DeRidder Christmas Parade by the Greater DeRidder Chamber of Commerce and in 2006 was honored as being named the Queen of Mardi Gras, by the Women’s League. Both honors were granted to her as recognition for her contributions, both individually and to the business community.
Florence was a member of New Life Baptist Church and reveled in being one of its oldest members.
Florence is survived by her son, Edward Neal O’Neal and wife Becky; daughter, Martha Ann O’Neal and husband, Leslie R. Leavoy, Jr., all of DeRidder; four grandchildren: Jacob Edward O’Neal, Colleen O’Neal Fletcher; Leslie Ann Leavoy Smith; and step grandson, Crawford Daniel Leavoy; four great grandchildren: Ben and Owen Fletcher; Alexandra “Ali” and Chloe O’Neal; one sister, Edith Schuetz Walter of St. Louis, Missouri; and a host of special nieces and nephews.
Florence loved Beauregard Parish and often told people she met through business or travel, “It is the best place to live in the world.” Florence enjoyed traveling, working in her yard and dining with friends, but her favorite pastime was spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
The family wishes to offer a special thank you to the many friends who offered emotional support and care for the family and Florence as she suffered from dementia and other health issues during the last years of her life. A special thank you to her doctor and friend for years, Dr. Henry S. Carter, as well as Dr. Chris Granger and Dr. Robin Yue. This thank you also includes Brighten Bridge Hospice and staff; and Companion Care and its caregivers: Tiner Turner and Betty Erwin, as well as others who stayed with her from time to time as needed. Without this excellent care Florence would not have been able to remain at her home for this last year.
Visitation and the Service will be Friday, December 21, 2018, at New Life Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m. until time of service, 1:30 p.m., under the direction of Labby Memorial Funeral Home in DeRidder, LA. Internment immediately following the service will be at Beauregard Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please contribute to one of Florence’s favorite charities: New Life Baptist Church; The Louisiana Baptist Children’s Home, BARC, the Agape Clinic, Dry Creek Baptist Encampment, or a charity of your choice.
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