Helene V. O'Neal

(Asbury Park Press)

HELENE V. O'NEAL
AGE: 94 PINE BEACH
Helene V. O'Neal, 94, Saturday April 10 at home surrounded by her care team. Born in Columbus, Ohio, Helene worked in the retail field rising to buyer for F&R Lazarus. She married Grady O'Neal of Mississippi, a chemist, in January 1947 and spent over 40 wonderful years with him before his passing. Moving to the Chicago area, Helene again worked in retail before the couple moved to New Jersey in the mid 1960's. First residing in Island Heights, she and her husband moved to Pine Beach in the mid 1970's while her husband, Grady, worked for Toms River Chemical/Ciba-Geigy. Helene was active in the Methodist Church, Antique Seekers of Ocean County, Toms River Twig and Ocean County Historical Society. Known for her love of a good time, impeccable hospitality and gourmet cooking skills, she was the life of any affair dinner party. She was also a devoted and generous caregiver for many seniors.
Preceded in death by her parents, Charles Russell and Alice Witt and her brother Russell Laverne Witt of Columbus Ohio. Left to treasure her memory are her nephew Gary Witt and niece Jennifer Witt, of Columbus, Ohio, beloved great-nieces, Amy and Ashley Witt Columbus, Ohio and great nephew Matthew Witt of Columbus Oh. Her wish was to be cremated with her ashes scattered at sea where she joins her beloved Grady. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Arrangements are through Anderson and Campbell, Toms River. As there will be no services at her request, and in lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Shepard/St. Paul United Methodist Church, 2250 East 5h Ave., Columbus, OH 43219 where Helene was a life long member or Ocean County Historical Society, 26 Hadley Ave., Toms River, New Jersey 08753.