Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Karen O'Neal Obituary
KAREN ELLEN WALL O'NEAL
AGE: 46 PLAINFIELD
Karen Ellen Wall O'Neal, 46, died Sunday, Dec. 20, 2009 in Muhlenberg Regional Medical Center, Plainfield. Born in Plainfield, she was a lifelong resident. She was a 1981 graduate of Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains. In 1985 she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.S. degree in Accounting from Hampton University in Hampton, Va. and graduated Magna Cum Laude with an MBA online from the University of Phoenix. Karen was a certified public accountant when she entered the financial services industry in 1985. She became licensed to sell life and health insurance in New Jersey. Karen was employed as a financial advisor with Met Life in Cranford. Prior to Met Life, she worked as a CPA with the following firms: Arthur Anderson Accounting Firm and Kenmear Associates both in NY and 15 years with Prudential Insurance Co. in Newark, NJ. She was formerly employed as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch in Bridgewater. Karen was also a substitute teacher with the Plainfield Public schools. She was a member of Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Plainfield where she served in the following: treasurer of the Sarah Marsh Missionary Ministry, financial secretary of the R.T. Druid Scholarship Ministry, T.R. Kelsey Inspirational Choir, member of the adult church school, the senior usher board, the Mt. Zion Event Planning Committee and the Organized Lay of Mt. Zion. She was also a member of the Women's Missionary Society (WMS) for the Elizabeth area and for the state of NJ Conference. Her other memberships include: American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, National Association of Black Accountants, Phi Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. in Scotch Plains and treasurer of Hearts of NJ Girl Scout troops 161 and 150.
Karen was predeceased by her mother, Sarah Wall in 1995; two brothers, Ronald Wall in 1987 and Richard A. Wall in 1961 and her godmother, Martha Christian. Surviving are her husband, William Floyd O'Neal and two daughters, Taylor E. and Tyne E. O'Neal of Plainfield; her father, Robert L. Wall of Plainfield; a sister, Lorraine W. Fortune (Thurman) of Ewing; her father and mother in law, James and Flo Etta Gillard of Mobile, Ala.; a sister in law, Carla O'Neal of Zanesville, OH; three brothers in law, Kurt E. O'Neal of Newark, OH, Shawn and Keith O'Neal of Zanesville, OH and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral Wednesday 11am in Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 525 West Fourth St., Plainfield preceded by viewing at 9am. Interment, Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Arrangements by Brown's Funeral Home, Plainfield. Condolences may be expressed at brownsfuneralhome.net.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Karen O'Neal
Linda Green
January 14, 2010
I didn't know Karen that well, but met her a few times (thru Kelly Green). I remember her sweet spirit and how funny she was. My prayers are with you. May God grant you and your family comfort and serenity in your time of bereavement.
January 10, 2010
Our prayer is that God will continue to strengthen and keep you during this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
~The Zarrelli Family~
Isaac & Jennifer Morgan
January 7, 2010
Our condolences go out to Floyd and his family as they grieve during this difficult time. May you find comfort in knowing that God will see you through.
-Love Isaac and Jennifer Morgan
India Nelson
January 4, 2010
We are all going to truly miss karen at all the events and cookouts with her soothing and sweet smile always with words of encouragement, a great one has surely left us and will be missed.
January 4, 2010
I am truly going to miss Soror Karen! It was such a delight to see her at sorority functions or shopping at the grocery store or even riding down the street on a busy weekday onto work!
My sincere condolences to her husband, children and loved ones.
~Melinda Lawson~
Rickey Richardson
January 4, 2010
Just want to how it was always a open door at the O'neals home,
and I'm so glad Karen had the chance to for feel one of last wishs
to own and ride her motocycle and feels great to have been a part of it.
Wish you a safe trip home Karen
love Rick Richardson
Rev C Washington
January 4, 2010
My condolences to the family of Karen O,Neal. May God give you peace and comfort in the loss of your loved one.
Rev. Washington Rose of Sharon Community Church, Plainfield, NJ
Gayle Veney
January 2, 2010
To the Wall and O'Neal Family,
May God continue to bless and keep you and your family during this time. My sincere condolences and prayers go to you and your families.
Blessings
Gayle Veney (Williams)
Tracey Smith-Owens
December 31, 2009
To the O'Neal and Wall Families,
My sincerest condolences and heartfelt prayers for you during this difficult time. Godspeed...
Warm regards,
Ms. Tracey D. Smith-Owens
Gwen Crews
December 31, 2009
To the O'Neal and Wall Family;
I was so saddened to hear of Karen's passing. I knew Karen since she was a small child. My siblings(Doug, Gloria, & Robbie) use to hang out at the Wall's house on Andover Ave and have the best time! Ronnie & Rainey would be dancing, Mrs. Wall would be talking and Karen would be up to something! That little bundle of mischief and energy turned into an incredible woman, wife and mother. Her committment to her family, friends, church and to Christ should make us all want to reach a little higher and do a little more. Looking after Karen's family would be the best way to honor her. Karen's beautiful spirit will remain with me forever. My love & sympathy to all of you,
Gwen
Conrad Glover
December 31, 2009
My condolences go out to the Wall and O'Neal families. I knew Karen at Hampton, she was always so sweet and generous to others.
Jeff Roberson
December 30, 2009
My prayers and heartfelt condolences go out to the Wall and O'Neal families. To her Daughters, please know that your mom was so loving and giving to others. She always had a smile that would light up any room. I met Karen at Prudential as she convinced me to become a tutor in the Quitman Street tutoring program that she coordinated. Within that year she became pregnant with Taylor and asked if I would fill-in as coordinator until she returned, she had the baby and informed me that I would no longer be the fill-in cause she was not returning. I always told her she pulled a fast one on me and she always replied, you see I made a good choice and left the program in good hands. I ran the program for 13 years. I will miss her dearly,
Jeff Roberson
shonda hurtt
December 30, 2009
Flyod and Girls,
It saddens me deaply of your loss. Karen was a beautiful person and she was loved and will be missed by all. Sorry I couldnt be there in person but know that my thoughts and prayers are with you always. Love Shonda Hurtt (raleigh, NC)
Lola Liggons
December 30, 2009
Floyd, Taylor, Tyne and family,
We were truly saddened to hear of Karen's passing. From the moment I met her I knew that God had created Floyd's perfect match. I admired her genuine honesty, love of family, and her gentle strength while encouraging others to walk the right path. Karen will be greatly missed by the family and all who knew her. Please know that our love and prayers are with you.
LaWan Rice
December 30, 2009
To the family of Karen E Walls ONeal, I attended HI with Karen. Although I didn't know Karen personally, my heart and prayers are with you during this time. Knowing that Karen loved the Lord and had a relationship with him, I know that is comforting you just a little. But know that the memories and love you shared with her will never go away. May God's blessings be with you always.
Yolanda Henry
December 30, 2009
To the O'Neal Family, my deepest sympathy goes out to your family. We, will miss Karen smile and laughter and we were so glad to have shared many good times together. May God comfort you during this challenging season. Peace be with you and your family.
Yolanda, YaBria & Tauheed Henry
Michele Thompson
December 29, 2009
To the Wall and O'Neal family
"We can't know why some things happen...but we can know that love and beautiful memories outlast the pain of grief. We know that there's a place inside the heart where love lives always..and where nothing beautiful can ever be forgotten."
With deepest sympathy
Michele (Dean) Thompson
Cecelia Green
December 29, 2009
To Karen's Family
Karen was one of the many friends of my daughter Kelly Eileen Green-Bloomfield. I remember Karen's beautiful smile and caring nature, when Prudential gave Kelly a Going Away Celebration, when she moved to VA. May you alway's remember Love Last Forever! Cecelia A. Green Henrico, VA
Wanda Sabb
December 29, 2009
It is with a heavy heart but steadfast belief in His will that I send my sincerest condolences of behalf of my family to the Wall and O'Neal families. There are no words that could possibily express what it means to lose a mother and even greater no way to properly describe a spirit as wonderful as Karen's. On behalf of the Sabb family of Philadelphia our thoughts and prayers will forever remain with you.
Glenn, Wanda, Candace, Courtney and Glenn, II
Cheryl Jones-Miller
December 29, 2009
My sincere condolences to the Wall family. I too attended HI with Karen. Even though many years have passed Karen's warmth and smile still remains. May you always keep her near and dear to your hearts. God's speed.
Rosalind Moone-Darby
December 29, 2009
Floyd, Taylor and Tyne, I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Our family has lost a precious gift. May your treasured memories keep Karen forever close.
Denice Franklin-Turner
December 29, 2009
To The O'Neal Family
I am truly sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Shakirah & Phillip Stanford
December 29, 2009
Floyd, Taylor, Tyne and family. I had the pleasure of meeting Karen through my sister, Sakinah Robinson. Karen was always smiling and was very sweet. I pray that God comforts you all at this very difficult time. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Kevin Fleming
December 29, 2009
To the Family, my deepest regret for your lost and God's gain. I attended HI with Karen and although it's been many years since we've seen one another,I'll always remember her kind and gentle spirit and precious smile. Karen you will always be my homegirl,RIP Karen.
May the Lord continue to Bless your Family and Love ones.
Dee Howard-Carrington
December 29, 2009
To the Wall Family: I was in the Hampton Institute(University) class of '85 also. Although we were not close friends, I do remember Karen's smile. May God's blessings give you peace and your hearts comfort during these difficult times.
Shaunteeka Mangan
December 29, 2009
Floyd,
Im very sorry for your lost. I had the pleasure of meeting Karen, she was a beautiful woman who would be sadly missed. My prayers are with you and the family.
Shaunteeka
Marsha Stevens
December 29, 2009
To Karen's Family
My God give you strength and peace knowing Karen is in his presence and amongst the saints. I worked with Karen at Merrill Lynch and she truly touched everyone that knew her. She had a lively spirit and a love of life. Her passing touched me greatly.
She will be missed.
Marsha Stevens
Gwen Jones-Bass
December 29, 2009
I didn't know Karen personally, but had the pleasure of meeting her once through my Sister (Kelly Green-Bloomfield). What I remember is a "Sweet Spirited" young woman with a laugh that would make anyone Smile! May the continual comfort of God, stay with each of you during this time of bereavement and the years to come.
Denise Johnson
December 29, 2009
To the family of Karen. I worked with Karen on a scholarship committee several years ago. I found her to be a joy to work with. She always had a smile and a great sense of humor.
May you find peace in your memories of her.
God Bless,
Denise Johnson
Denise Johnson
December 29, 2009
To the family of Karen. I worked with Karen on the scholarship committee several years age and found her to be a joy to work with. She always had a smile and a great sense of humor.
May you find peace in your memories of her.
God Bless,
Denise Johnson
December 29, 2009
Floyd I am so sorry to hear about your loss. My prayers and sincere sympathy are with you and your family. Tracy Bennett
Marquis Jones
December 29, 2009
Please accept our sincere and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of Karen. She was truly one of those rare spirits that brought joy to many people. I remember so many of our conversations on the train to Newark and she always lifted my spirits with her love and kindness. She will be truly missed.
Hon. Marquis D. Jones, Jr., and family
Kirsten Roach
December 29, 2009
To William, the girls and the Wall Family, my heart felt prayers go out to you. May GOD give you strength and peace during this difficult time. I have been friends with Karen since our days at Hampton and will truly miss her dearly. She was a ball of energy (all the time)and the light of our Line. A light that will continue to shine in ours hearts.
Deidra Fransaw
December 29, 2009
Exodus 23:20
20 "See, I am sending an angel ahead of you to guard you along the way and to bring you to the place I have prepared." God has taken Earth Angel Karen to watch over us until we make our journey and join her. I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Karen in the last year and it was a laughing good time. She loved dancing, music and people. I am grateful I am one of those that was touched by her presence.My mother, Dena Williams, spoke so highly of Karen and Floyd and when I did meet them, I knew why. Floyd, know that you and the girls are covered in her wings. Peace be unto you and Karen's family.
December 29, 2009
My Sincere Condolences to the Family... Karen was the life of the party with high energy and a smile..... Hampton Forever..... God Bless..... Kent White.....
Jeff Childs, Sr.
December 28, 2009
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
December 28, 2009
To the O'Neal and Wall's Family:
We were so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.
May God Bless and Keep You.
The Lattimore Family
Plainfield, New Jersey
Kelly Green-Bloomfield
December 28, 2009
When I think about Karen, I have to smile! Karen truly lived her life with zeal, charisma and purpose. On several occasions her contagious laugh would have me crying with laughter. These are the memories I will hold on to forever! My heartfelt condolences and prayers are with the family during this time of bereavement.
Robin Hill-Thompson
December 28, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Dallas & Robin Hill-Thompson
ROBIN MCCAULEY
December 28, 2009
I LIKE TO SEND MY CONDOLENCES TO THE ONEAL FAMILY. SO SORRY ABOUT YOUR WIFE FLOYD. TRY TO HANG IN THERE FOR YOUR DAUGHTERS. ROBIN MCCAULEY
December 28, 2009
To Floyd, Taylor, Tyne, Mr.Wall, Lorraine amd family. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy at this very difficult time. Karen, was such a beautiful person.She kept our neighborhood together. She cared for the youth and loved every minute of it. Karen, took great pride and voiced the gratitude it gave her to feed the dozen of children who filled her backyard during the summer months. Karen didn't hesitate lending a helping hand to anyone. She was a rare and precious jewel that will be sorely missed. I pray that God brings comfort and peace to your heavy hearts. Love,Anthony& Sakinah Robinson
John & Edna Holmes
December 28, 2009
"When peace like a river attendeth my way, when sorrows like sea billows roll. Whatever my lot thou hast taught me to say "It is well, with my soul." Words are inadequate to express our sympathy in the passing of your love one Karen. Please know that we share in your sorrow. We look to God, the Author and Finisher of our faith for comfort knowing He is too wise to err and too just to falter and is always by our side.
Mr. Wall we love you and will be here for you.
December 28, 2009
My deepest condolences to William, Taylor, Tyne, Mr. Walls & Lorraine. During this difficult time my prayers are extended the entire family. Karen was such a beautiful person who loved life. We all will miss her big personality and her bright smile.
BI Reid & Family
Carnegie Family
December 28, 2009
To the Wall and O'neal family, Please accept our tearful and heartfelt sympathy and condolences. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Sylvia D. Bennett
December 28, 2009
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Tracey Womack-Branch
December 28, 2009
Praying that the peace of God be with the entire family and friends during this difficult season.
Shirley Guy-Lucky
December 28, 2009
I've known Karen since we were in Emerson School. I am deeply saddened to hear of her passing. My deepest sympathy goes out to her family. May GOD continue to provide you strength during this time.
Robin Crews
December 28, 2009
Karen is a part of my extended family, but to her immediate family i wish to express my heartfelt sympathy and prayers.
Jacqueline Salter
December 28, 2009
To William and the girls, I grew up with Karen and knew her like a sister. She was very outgoing and loved life. She will be missed tremendously. May God Bless you & carry you through this difficult time. Remember to lean on him.
Jacqueline Moore-Salter
December 28, 2009
Dear Soror Karen:
Rest in peace. You are now a beautiful
Ivy Beyond The Wall.
Sisterly,
Soror Carol Anderson-Lewis
December 28, 2009
My condolences to the Wall and O'Neal families. I met the Wall family in the late 1950's when I moved to the East End of Plainfield. I remember Karen best when Ronnie, Rain and I used to dance in the basement. Karen would stand by giving us advise and she would jump in every now and then wrong foot off beat her coordination was not always on. She was so funny. Mr. & Mrs. Walls would laugh at us until they were in tears. This family always laughed together. Karen always had a smile on her face. Memories I will never let go. I moved to NC and when I visited NJ and Karen would always update me on the happenings. She will be sadly missed.
Gail Johnson, Mebane NC
December 28, 2009
I met Karen when I reactivated my sorority membership with Phi Eta Omega of AKA Sorority, Inc. She was a gem and a hard working young woman. I will miss her presence and never ending enthusiasm about helping all of mankind. With Sisterly Love, Soror Grace Anderson-Spivey
KIMBERLY MCPHERSON-SHIDE
December 28, 2009
MAY GOD CONTINUE TO GIVE YOU AND YOUR FAMILY THE STRENGTH YOU NEED IN YOUR HOUR OF SORROW. GOD BLESS. KIMBERLY MCPHERSON-SHIDER
MaryAnn Anderson
December 28, 2009
To Karen's husband and daughters:
Please accept my sincere and heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother. Karen was a beautiful,bright spirit filled woman who touched many by just her presence. She was always on the verge of doing "something" and had no time to waste. She was the one that you wanted on your team, because of her energy and eagerness to get things done. Oh yeah! and she could talk. She will be missed by me and all of her sisters of Phi Eta Omega Chapter, AKA Inc.
MaryAnn Anderson
A Booth
December 28, 2009
To O'Neal and family,
My heart goes out to you and your girls on the passing of your wife and thier mother. My prayer is that you will look to GOD for strength through this time and always. May GOD continue to give you peace that passess all understanding.
Mrs. A. Booth
Showing 1 - 56 of 56 results
Make a Donation
in Karen O'Neal's name
Memorial Events
for Karen O'Neal
How to support Karen's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Karen O'Neal's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
