Dorothy "Dot"

Williams O'Neal

Dorothy Nell "Dot" Williams O'Neal

A service celebrating the life of Dorothy Nell "Dot" Williams O'Neal will be held at Pineland Baptist Church at 3:00 PM on Monday, November 20, 2023. Mrs. O'Neal passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, November 17, 2023 with her children at her side.

She was born May 22, 1934 in Meigs GA, to Robert E. Williams and Erie Cox Williams.
Mrs. O'Neal, or "Dot" as she was affectionally known to all, grew up in Meigs where she was a member of the Meigs High School Class of 1952. She developed life-long friendships with other members of her class and eagerly anticipated their annual class reunions.

After graduation, Mrs. O'Neal was employed as a switchboard operator with Southern Bell at the Thomasville Operations Center. She met James Ralph O'Neal of Thomasville at one of his family reunions in Meigs. He was smitten by Miss Williams and pursued a relationship. He would often call the Southern Bell switchboard at night in hopes of making contact with her. Since operators were not allowed to receive personal calls, he would ask some frivolous question. He just wanted to hear her voice. After a short courtship, they were the first couple to be married at Thomasville's Calvary Baptist Church, still under construction, on January 10, 1953. It was a day marked by the arrival of sleet and snow in Thomasville!  For the more than 70 years, they made their home and reared their family in this community.

Mrs. O'Neal left her position with Southern Bell for her role as homemaker and devoted wife and mother. She became an accomplished seamstress, creating clothes for her growing family.  This talent led to her employment at Jaco Fabrics of Thomasville. After a number of years, she and her husband embarked on a family venture:  first, establishing an outlet store and then, a neighborhood grocery store, the passion of her husband. Later, Mrs. O'Neal became the cheerful, smiling, payment clerk manning the desk for Bell South at Knapp Hardware. As her family grew, her domestic responsibilities grew, so she 'retired' to her home responsibilities.

Mrs. O'Neal and her husband were charter members of Calvary Baptist Church and later of Pineland Baptist Church. She was active in the area of children's education in both congregations, particularly the Vacation Bible Schools.

One of Mrs. O'Neal passions was overseeing the prolific nature surrounding her home, situated in a heavily wooded rural area. She particularly enjoyed her pond.  She could frequently be found on its bank sitting next to a playpen with one of her young children basking in the outdoors as she fished, or quietly observed the families of wild duck and geese on the pond. She was an avid gardener and became an award-winning African Violet grower under the early tutelage of her loving mother-in-law, Effie Griner O'Neal. Later in her life, Mrs. O'Neal enthusiastically welcomed daily visits of deer, wild turkeys, and especially hummingbirds to her homeplace. Among other attributes, she will be remembered by friends and family for her sweet smile, beautiful countenance and quick sense of humor.

Mrs. O'Neal lived a life dedicated to faith and family. She is survived by her children, Barbara O'Neal James (Whit) of Statesboro, GA; Annette O'Neal Connelly of Thomasville, GA; Kathy O'Neal McMullen (Keith) of Pavo, GA; and Ken O'Neal (Kelley Cassels) of Thomasville, GA. Survivors also include grandchildren Mike James, Jenni Faison (John), Laura Girardeau (Stacey), Robbie McMullen (Cassidy), Brian Miller (Amber), Gentry Mirick (Keith), Kellie Barnes (Brandon), Randi O'Neal (Quinn Reed), and Courtney Baunoch (Ray); and 26 great-grandchildren, a brother, Gene Williams (Tina) of Eatonton, GA; a sister-in-law, Margaret Williams of Meigs, GA; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, James Randall O'Neal, and brothers, Wayne Williams and Wendell Williams.
The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 19, 2023 at Whiddon-Shiver Funeral Home in Thomasville. The Celebration of Life Service on Sunday will be officiated by Pineland Pastor Rickey Whitley and son-in law Whit James.  Interment will immediately follow the Memorial Service on Monday at Laurel Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will include Robbie McMullen, Brian Miller, Stacey Girardeau, Keith Mirick, Brandon Barnes, and Ray Baunoch.

The family is grateful for the devoted care and loving kindness of Georgia Hospice Care, caregiver Connie Milam and many special friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Pineland Baptist Church, 2031 E. Clay Street, Thomasville GA 31792 or to Georgia Hospice Care, 303 E. Shotwell Street, Bainbridge, GA 39819.