Shirley Ann O'Neal

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of our beloved mother, Shirley Ann (Meador) O’Neal, who went to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on August 18, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on September 2, 1939, in Alice, Texas, Shirley was a source of strength, compassion, and warmth to all who had the privilege of knowing her. She devoted her life to her family and was the heart of our home. Her kindness, patience, and unwavering support were the foundation of our lives, and her love knew no bounds.

Shirley is survived by her daughters, Debbie O’Neal and Brenda Henderson, both of Orange Grove, Texas; her cherished grandchildren, Kayla Ruschhaupt (Colton) of New Braunfels, Texas, and West Henderson of Weatherford, Texas; and many other dear relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 63 years, Charles O’Neal, and her parents, Arvel and Jean Meador. 

A woman of quiet dignity and deep faith, Shirley found joy in life’s simple moments—morning coffee, family dinners, and long conversations filled with laughter and love. Her legacy is one of grace, resilience, and unconditional love.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed.” Prov. 31:28

We were truly blessed to have such a dear, loving mother. Shirley was a devoted and faithful Christian, wife, mother, and grandmother. Her life was spent caring for her family—and she loved every moment of it. 

After growing up in Bloomington, Texas, she moved to Corpus Christi, where she met and married Charles. In the aftermath of Hurricane Celia, they made their home in Orange Grove, Texas, where they would spend the rest of their years together.

Shirley was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Orange Grove, where she served as Sunday School secretary, worked in Vacation Bible School, served on the hospitality committee, and was a counselor at youth camp. She was always present—attending every one of Debbie and Brenda’s school activities. No bus ever left Orange Grove without her following behind. She proudly hauled them to countless youth rodeos and twirling competitions, always with her video camera in hand as the family rodeo videographer.

She was also a member of Annaville Baptist Church, River Hills Baptist Church, Christ Central, and The Grove—serving faithfully in every church she called home, always giving her time and heart to ministry.

Shirley retired from Orange Grove ISD as a paraprofessional, where she impacted many lives with her care and encouragement. 

Her greatest joy, though, came from being “Nana” to her grandchildren. She never missed a piano recital, 4-H event, rodeo or livestreamed cutting and cherished every moment spent with Kayla and West.

We will always remember her as someone who was there—listening, praying, giving her best to each of us, and always, always having a warm, cooked meal waiting. We love you, Nana.

Family receiving friends from 1:00PM-2:00PM with a Funeral Service at 2:00 PM on Friday August 22, 2025 at Holmgreen Mortuary 2061 E Main St. Alice, TX. Christian Burial will follow at Sons of Hermann Cemetery. 

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