Joyce O’Neal, long time managing editor of Ozark’s Senior Living Newspaper, passed away on September 19, 2011. She was born
in Bessemer City, North Carolina to Ida Belle Pruitt and attended schools in Virginia, and Pennsylvania before joining the Womens’ Army Corp in 1949.
She served during the Korean War with Yokohama Trans Military Service. Joyce married Master Sergeant Duane G. O’Neal in 1951, her preceeded her in death on August 1, 2002.
In 1952 Joyce worked for the East Oregonian Newspaper in Pendleton, Oregon. She graduated from Whorton School of Nursing, Texas, in 1963, where she also began her journalism studies. After moving to Missouri in 1963, she worked at Doctors Osteopathic Hospital, during her tenure there she earned a Dean’s Certificate from U.M.K.C. for continued nursing studies. After her retirement in 1989; she worked as a hospital volunteer and continued to study writing at both SMSU and Drury while working for Ozarks Senior Living Newspaper. She was a lifetime member of the Missouri Poets Society, and Springfield Writers’ Guild. She published two poetry books and one children’s book and earned many writing awards.
Joyce’s faith and trust in God’s leadership kept her smiling. She was a member of South Campbell Ave. Baptist Church where she leaves many beloved friends; other survivors include her beloved children; Dan O’Neal and wife Rose, Shayne Ford of Louisiana, Kathie O’Neal of Florida, and Beth O’Neal of Springfield. She leaves nine grandchildren and 14 great grandchildrne and a cousin, Sara Pruitt.
Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 21, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 W. Battlefield Rd.
Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011, at Greenlawn Funeral Home South, officiated by Pastor Joe Decker.
Burial will follow at Wade Chapel Cemetery, Republic.
Services have been entrusted to Greenlawn Funeral Home South, 441 W. Battlefield Rd, Springfield, Mo.