Donna O'Neal

Pawleys Island, SC

DONNA, a proud and loyal South Carolinian passed away in her Pawleys Island Home on October 24, 2024, under the compassionate care of Caris Health Care. Born November 18, 1957, in Florence, SC she was the daughter of the late Thomas Arthur (Tommy) O’Neal, Jr. and Annie Chaworth (Chaty) Hayes O’Neal. Donna valued time with friends and relatives. She loved nothing more than the outdoors and taking walks on the beach with her beloved dog, Sallie. She personalized every relationship bestowing each person with a nickname. She enjoyed researching, learning, and sharing that knowledge with others. Like her mother, Annie Hayes O’Neal, she loved shopping for and wearing designer shoes. A versatile dresser, you might see Donna in workout wear or dressed to the nines. A graduate of Marlboro Academy, she was active in the annual staff, newspaper staff, Spanish club, softball, and the Miss Marlboro Pageant. During this time, she was cast as Liesl in the local production of “The Sound of Music” where she displayed her love for music and voice. She was also crowned “Miss Farm Bureau.” She attended Columbia College, Winthrop College, and the University of South Carolina where she received a degree in Business. She had a successful career in sales with Motorola, Bell South Mobility, and later with Russell Jeffcoat Realtors. After retirement, she worked alongside her father, Thomas Arthur O’Neal, Jr., and ran his farming business until her death. Donna was adored by her family, friends, and, of course, her dogs. Throughout her life and illness, her determination, courage, positive attitude, and grace inspired those whom she held so close.

She is predeceased by her parents Mr. and Mrs. Thomas (Tommy) Arthur O’Neal, Jr., Her Sister, Melanie O’Neal Cavenaugh, her brother, Thomas Arthur “Art” O’Neal, III and nephew Samuel Brock O’Neal.

She is survived by her sister- in- law, Robin Brock O’Neal, nephews, Thomas Arthur O’Neal, IV, (Joy) Robert Luther (Luke) O’Neal, (Sabrina) Matthew Dudley Cavenaugh, (Liz); nieces, Kathryn (Katie) Cavenaugh Knauer (Andrew), Rachel Cavenaugh Smith (Brandon), Caroline (Cara) Cavenaugh Woodard (Stuart). Several great nephews and nieces. Special friends that were by her side, Connie Goodale, Lucy Lee, Donna Jordan, cousin, Bo O’Neal and her beloved dog Sallie. A special thanks to Caris Health Care for the excellent care they gave Donna.

“Sweet friendships refresh the soul and awaken our hearts with joy, for good friends are like the anointing oil that yields the fragrant incense of God’s presence.” ~Proverbs 27:9

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 9, 2024, at Brownsville Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery. A visitation will be at 1:00 p.m. in the church, just prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Brownsville Baptist Church, 4110 Hwy 38 S, Blenheim, SC 29516.

Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the O’Neal family.

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