Louise O'Neal Obituary

Louise Felder O'Neal MT. PLEASANT - Louise Felder O'Neal, the widow of the late James Harvey O'Neal, affectionately known as 'Nana' to many, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 13, 2023, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on March 23, 1929, in Cope, South Carolina, the daughter of David Daniel Felder and Eartha Boltin Felder and was one of six children. Louise spent her formative years in Orangeburg, SC, attending the schools of Orangeburg County until her graduation. Her pursuit of education and a career brought her to Charleston, South Carolina, where she attended Roper Hospital School of Nursing. During this time, she met her future husband, James O'Neal, a native of Darlington. They were united in marriage on February 2, 1945, in Charleston. Louise later embraced the role of motherhood, welcoming two children into the world, James Carroll O'Neal in 1948 and Sarah Frances O'Neal White in 1951. The O'Neal family moved from downtown to Mount Pleasant in 1961, which became Louise's cherished home of 62 years. As her children embarked on their educational journeys, Louise embarked on a career with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company. She dedicated herself to her work until the closure of all the stores in the Charleston area in 1975, at which point she retired. However, Louise wasn't finished contributing to her community; she later joined the Medical University Print Shop as their receptionist, where she continued to work until her second retirement at the age of 65. Louise was a devout member of First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant for 62 years and actively participated in the Faithful Workers Sunday School Class. She was also deeply involved in various fraternal organizations, serving both as a local and statewide leader. Her commitment to charity extended to Camp Adam Fisher, a camp for children with diabetes, where she passionately collected cans from restaurants, friends and family and highway cleanups to recycle as a fundraiser. Over the course of 50 years, Louise attended annual conferences of the organizations she served, leaving an indelible mark with her unwavering dedication. In the hearts of her family, Louise will forever be remembered as the 'Matriarch' and for her boundless love, gentle words, sense of humor, and her legendary macaroni and cheese; a cherished dish at every family gathering. Louise is survived by her son, James Carroll O'Neal, and his wife, Sheryl, of Johns Island, SC, and her daughter, Sarah O'Neal White, and her husband, James, of Awendaw, SC, along with their children and grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, four brothers, and a sister. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church "Sunshine Club", 681 McCants Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 https://www.fbcmtpleasant.org/ or to Samaritan's Purse "Israeli Project", 801 Bamboo Rd., Boone, NC 28607, https://www.samaritanspurse.org/ . The family would like to thank the many caregivers at Evergreen Memory Care, Roper Hospital Mt Pleasant, and Agape Lowcountry Hospice that cared for her tirelessly during her final year. A special thanks also to Ms. Sarah Burroughs for her loving care in her final days. A visitation for family and friends will be held at First Baptist Church Mount Pleasant, SC, 681 McCants Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC, from 11:30 to 12:30 on Saturday, October 21, 2023, with the funeral service following at 12:30pm. Interment to follow services at Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. A memorial message may be sent to the family on our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com.