Josiah David O'Neal

Josiah David O’Neal-Stephens also known as “Macaroni” was born February 4th, 2009, in Apple Valley, CA.

We brought him home nine days later in the middle of a snowstorm, after a brief stay in the NICU.

From the beginning Josiah always displayed a fighting spirit, and an enormous will-to-live. In 2018, at the age of 9, Josiah experienced his dream Make-A-Wish Trip, a family trip to Disneyland where he got to meet Mickey Mouse. It was a week filled with belly laughs, and uncontrollable excitement, family memories we will always cherish.

Throughout the last 6 years Josiah has not only persevered, but he has inspired countless others through his journey. Josiah’s determination allowed him to take Sanfilippo by the horns (Unicorn Horns)!! He proved that a child can be stronger than a man, and that he could rise from any and all obstacles thrown his way.

Josiah had the ability to make you feel so loved, and he could make you feel special without even trying. Josiah enjoyed being with family the most. He loved his siblings with his whole being, Frankie, Savannah, Sabrina, JJ, Tina, Novah, NiNi, and Tali. Watching his brother and sisters play with his cousins was the highlight of his day. Pure joy brought to light.

How do you put into words the purest of souls? How do you explain an unmeasured beauty? Josiah had a way of bringing infinite light into a room. Through the best of times, through the worst of times, through the pain, he would always smile!

Josiah was blessed by the Lord to see nothing but perfection, to see nothing but peace through his beautiful chocolate brown eyes. Absolutely nothing could taint or touch his beauty. Josiah was a fighter in every sense of the word. Until the very end he fought to protect the ones he loved. Realizing some of our biggest fears, he fought to ensure that our fears didn’t become our reality.

On the morning of April 11, 2023, Josiah went home to be with the Lord, surrounded by the ones who loved him the most. He was at peace, and it showed. He waited patiently to receive all the love, and provide everyone who came to see him a sense of hope.

The Stephens’s/O’Neal families would like to express our gratitude and appreciation for everyone’s love, and condolences at this time. It does not go unnoticed.

A special Thank-You to everyone in the San Bernardino County schools program that our boy was blessed to be surrounded by from the age of three. It was there he was loved, taught, and cared for by Mrs. Kim Cardoza, Kimberly Begay, Joanna Haefele, Amanda Powless-Deridder and many more therapist, teachers, and TA’s. We are so grateful.

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the following charities,

Team Sanfilippo Foundation teamsanfilippo.org

or

MPS Society mpssociety.org

John 8:36 – "So if the Son sets you free, you are truly free."

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.meadcares.com for the O'Neal family.

We here at Mead, offer our sincerest condolences to the family. Mead mortuary chapel and reception room are open for services at 100% capacity. If you need assistance, please call 760-256-5671 to speak with our staff. Our office area is open to the public however, we highly suggest that you call for an appointment before coming in so that you'll have our full attention and care. We are limiting our arrangement conferences to 4 guest until further notice. Thank you for your cooperation, we appreciate your understanding during this time.