She was born in Muskogee, Oklahoma on December 8th, 1936 to Samuel and Eyrsalean Spradling. After graduating high school and attending classes at Oklahoma Baptist University she worked for General Motors for several years as an administrative assistant. In 1960 (November 19), she married the love of her life, Gene Louis O’Neal and began a storybook (almost) 60 years of marriage. Their lives together was a living testimony of devotion to their family, their Christian faith and Baylor University.
Joyce was the ultimate devoted wife and mother to three beautiful daughters. Her life of unselfish sacrifice was a living example. All three daughters attended Baylor, married and embodied their mothers’ faithfulness as they raised daughters of their own.
After her children were older, Joyce went back to work for the Fellowship of Christian Athletes as their Events Coordinator for the Dallas Chapter and worked closely with many local athletes including Tom Landry and Roger Staubach to make Christ present in young athlete’s lives across the city for just over 20 years.
She is preceded in death by her husband Gene O’Neal (2019), her parents Eyrsalean Spradling (1999), and Samuel Spradling as well as her sister Janice Spradling Brower (1997) and brother Bob Spradling (2019). Recently Joyce’s oldest daughter, Dawn O’Neal Wilson (2019) has passed to heaven as well.
Joyce moved in with her youngest daughter and her family soon after Gene’s death and lived out the rest of her life in their home. She is survived by her two daughters, Maire Shannon O’Neal Shiu married to Brian Shiu and Dorri (Patricia) O’Neal Jones married to Darren Jones and her 5 granddaughters, Emily Morris married to John Morris, Delaney Shiu, Sophie Shiu, Reagan Shiu and Jessica Jones. All brought her the greatest joy and pride just as her great-grandson James (Jamie) Morris (born February 2, 2018) has with his constant smile and joyful presence.
Joyce was most happy serving others which she did at every available moment of her life. She and Gene taught Sunday School for most of their adult life together and found friendships that lasted a lifetime. She taught English to internationals at the church and the surrounding community who wanted to improve their lives and grow. And she and Gene volunteered for the Need Him Ministry answering calls from those who needed guidance with spiritual questions. Joyce found immense pride in her family and loved unconditionally each and every one of them. The strength of her faith guided her through the toughest of times and kept her marriage and family grounded in Christ’s love. In all things she was a faithful prayerful warrior who loved with all her might and her living witness will continue with her family and friends.
A funeral service for Joyce will be held Friday, February 5, 2021 from 3:30 PM to 4:30 PM at First Baptist Richardson, 1001 N Central Expy, Richardson, TX 75080. A graveside service will occur Thursday, February11, 2021 from 9:15 AM to 9:30 AM at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75211.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.teddickeywestfuneral.com for the O Neal family.
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