Nancy Carlene O'Neal

Nancy Carlene O’Neal passed away on March 23, 2025, after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and love. She was born on November 11, 1936, in Tulsa, Oklahoma, to Bernice Camille and Dallas Chester O’Neal. She spent the first half of her life in Houston, Texas, where she built deep roots and lifelong connections. The second part of her life was spent in various small towns in Central Texas, including Giddings and LaGrange, where she loved the peaceful pace of life, working on her art, tending her garden and chickens, and caring for her precious donkeys, goats, and horse.

Nancy had a varied and fulfilling career, but her true passion was art. A skilled and passionate painter, pottery artist, and poet, she found beauty in the world around her and expressed it through her work. In her youth, she served as the live model for the cartoon character Poteet Canyon, created by the famed cartoonist Milton Caniff—a distinction that reflected both her unique spirit and the artistic world she so deeply cherished.

Beyond her art, Nancy had a deep love for nature and was at her happiest when exploring the beautiful landscapes of the country, especially New Mexico, where she felt a special connection. She and her husband, Kevin, shared a love of travel and spent many years discovering new places together. She also had a profound bond with animals and dedicated much of her time to working with various animal rights organizations to support their welfare.

Nancy had a quick wit, a sharp sense of humor, and an effortless ability to make people laugh. She cultivated a wide circle of friends from all walks of life, valuing connection over convention and embracing the unique qualities that made each person special. Her warmth and humor left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Kevin Murrell; children, Ty Ford and Dallas O’Neal; daughter-in-law, DaRonna Ford; grandson, Noah O’Neal; grandson Colton Edwards and great-grandson Braylon Edwards. She also leaves behind her beloved sister, Sunny Haik; brother-in-law, Mac Haik; nephews, Tommy Poynter, Kevin Poynter, Brandon Poynter, and Heath Haik; niece, Amber Kennedy; and many cherished great-nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Debbie O’Neal, and her niece, Heather Haik.

Nancy’s life was one of artistry, individuality, and deep connections with the world around her. Whether through her paintings, her travels, her friendships, or her commitment to animal welfare, she left an indelible mark on those who knew her. Her presence will be profoundly missed, but her creativity, humor, and kindness will continue to inspire.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 29, 2025, 2:00 p.m., at Memorial Oaks in Houston, where several of her family members are also laid to rest.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to an arts or animal welfare organization of your choice in her honor.