Mary Breazeale Obituary

Mary Frances O'Neal Breazeale, 91, of Simpsonville, SC, peacefully passed away on Monday, August 25, 2025. Born in Pickens, SC, she was the daughter of the late Hazel Atkins Bagwell O'Neal and Johnny Bolt O'Neal. Frances was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her greatest joy was raising her three children who she selflessly placed before herself. Frances was a lady of deep faith in God and lived her life as an example of that faith, with grace, strength, and compassion. She was the beloved wife of the late Rev. Carl E. Breazeale, with whom she shared 66 years of marriage. As a pastor's wife, she was a steadfast partner, actively serving her church family. She was involved in the Ladies Auxiliary, the Willing Workers, teaching Sunday School and Children's Church, singing in the choir, raising building funds, and serving as a Director of Kiddy Kollege. After her husband's retirement from the ministry, she transitioned into the workforce, accepting a position in sales audit with Belk Simpson, where she worked for seven years before retiring. Compassionate by nature, Frances had a heart for seniors and children. She was a lifelong encourager, generously uplifting others and reminding them of their worth and God-given talents. Her passions included flower gardening, visiting senior homes, and volunteering at voting polls with her late husband. Above all, she loved and lived for the Lord. Her unwavering faith, integrity, and strength were evident in every aspect of her life. Frances was a long-time member of Praise Cathedral and regularly attended Mauldin Church of God. Her family was honored and blessed to call her mother and wife, and her gentle spirit and kind presence will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her three children, Cathy Eugenia Breazeale Grant (Steve) of Simpsonville, SC, Carl Michael Breazeale of Cocoa Beach, FL, and Angela Frances Breazeale of Greenville, SC. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by four brothers, and two sisters, Frank O'Neal, Henry Bagwell, Forrest Bagwell, Calvin Bagwell, Willie Bagwell Cassell, and Jessie Bagwell Barrett. A visitation will be held on Sunday, August 31, 2025 from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Southeast followed by the funeral service at 3:00 p.m in the Chapel. Burial will be private. Memorials may be made in Frances' honor to The Church of God Home for Children, P.O. Box 430, Mauldin, SC 29662. Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Frances with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".