Annette O'Neal

Connelly

Mildred "Annette" O'Neal Connelly, 1956 - 2024

A service celebrating the life of Mildred Annette O'Neal Connelly will be held at Pineland Baptist Church in Thomasville, GA at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2024. Mrs. Connelly died peacefully at Pruitt Health Moultrie in Moultrie, GA on Monday, July 8, 2024 with her family at her side.

Annette was born on May 21, 1956 in Albany, GA to Dorothy Williams (Dot) O'Neal and James Ralph O'Neal, but lived most of her life in Thomasville.  She attended Thomas County Schools and was a proud 1974 graduate of Central High School. She helped organize many class reunions, enjoying the fellowship of her classmates through the years.

After graduation she worked at the family-owned Ralph's Market, Faircloth Brothers, Inc., at Singletary's Flowers, and at Sunnyland as a Quality Control Inspector.  She was employed by Harden's Taxidermy for many years before her retirement.

She was a devoted member of Pineland Baptist Church where she was a faithful member of the church choir for many years. She served as a Troop Leader for the Girl Scouts of America.

Annette was blessed to have many talents and abilities. She loved cooking, baking, decorating theme cakes for special occasions and creating floral arrangements. She took pleasure in sharing the fruits of her talents with others.

Annette was always up for a good time, whether traveling as a passionate fan of NASCAR, or just listening to good music with friends. She loved anything to do with the outdoors. She was an avid hunter and enjoyed all things involving nature. Her special times of the day were watching sunrises and sunsets. Most of all, she loved feeling the sand between her toes at Florida gulf coast beaches.

She is survived by her loving daughter, Gentry (Keith) Mirick of Thomasville, GA; special "grandchildren" Aubree Mirick and McKenzie Payne; sisters Barbara O'Neal James (Whit) of Statesboro, GA; Kathy O'Neal McMullen (Keith) of Pavo, GA; and her brother Ken O'Neal (Kelley Cassels) of Thomasville, GA, an uncle, Gene Williams (Tina) of Eatonton, GA; and an aunt, Margaret Williams of Meigs, GA. She is also lovingly remembered by nieces and nephews Mike James of Renton, WA; Jenni James Faison of Cosby, TN; Laura James Girardeau of Statesboro, GA; Robbie McMullen of Salem, ND; Brian Miller and Kellie O'Neal Barnes of Thomasville, GA; Randi O'Neal of Hamilton GA; and Courtney O'Neal Baunoch of Dixie, GA; along with many loving cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, James Randall "Randy" O'Neal; paternal grandparents William Cyrus O'Neal and Effie Lee Griner O'Neal; and maternal grandparents Robert E. Lee Williams and Erie Cox Williams.

The family will receive friends from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 11, 2024 at Pineland Baptist Church in Thomasville, followed by the Celebration of Life Service, officiated by Pineland Pastor Rickey Whitley and Brother-in-law Whit James. Interment will follow the Memorial Service at Laurel Hill Cemetery in the family plot on Georgia Avenue. Pallbearers include Robbie McMullen, Brian Miller, Brandon Barnes, Ray Baunoch, Quinn Reed, Chase Connelly and Rome Williams.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pineland Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, 2031 E. Clay Street, Thomasville GA 31792.