Lake Charles, Louisiana
Jackie Mercer O’Neal, 96, passed into the presence of her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 13, 2017.
Mrs. O’Neal was born on March 7, 1920 in Hope, Florida to Luther Monroe Mercer & Ethel Lou Cooper. She was raised in Dry Creek, LA where she was a 1937 graduate of Dry Creek High School. Shortly after graduating, she entered into nursing school where she met her future husband Wesley L. O’Neal. In 1940, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse working at the Shreveport Charity Hospital Training School, soon afterwards, she married the love of her life. For the next 40 years, Mrs. O’Neal devoted her life to nursing and caring for others at various medical facilities in Lake Charles. Even in her later years, she continued to nurse and care for the many friends she had made at Landmark of LC nursing home.
She was a devoted member of East Ridge Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir and enjoyed fellowshipping with her sweet friends in the Willing Working Sunday School class.
She was proceeded in death by her husband, Wesley L. O’Neal; her only child, Barbara Ann O’Neal Irwin who was her greatest joy in life; and parents, Luther & Ethel Mercer; sisters Ora Moses, Ada Vee Reeves; brother L.M. Mercer, Jr.
She leaves to honor and cherish her memories three grandsons, Troy Irwin (Ollie), Brandon Irwin & Heath Irwin (Chassidy); four great-grandchildren, Amber, Natalie, Lindsey & Peyton Irwin; one sister, Iola McCracken; three brothers, Frank Mercer, Dudley Mercer & Jerry Mercer.
Jackie will be remembered by her family and friends for her kindness and unconditional love.
Visitation will be on Sunday January 15, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Graveside services committal services will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery.
Aunt Jackie was an elegant lady who was always kind to everyone. I will miss seeing her when I get to Louisiana. My dad, Luther Mercer, always looked up to her and when I was a kid we always visited her when we came to Dry Creek for a visit. Love you Aunt Jackie!
Linda Oberfeld
February 09, 2018 | Affton, MO
I met Jackie many years ago as a patient of Dr. Leon Gillard... she was such a nice person and always a delight to see.. We met a few years ago at one of our local stores and were able to visit for a little while... I know she will be greatly missed... My deepest sympathy to her children, family and friends... Blessings on all of you... You have lost one of our brightest stars... God bless....
Jacqui Tarbell
January 15, 2017 | Lake Charles, LA
Wish we could be there to say goodbye Aunt Jackie but know you are much loved.
Linda & Bill Oberfeld
January 15, 2017 | St. Louis, MO
So loved this wonderful lioving,caring lady. So glad to have had her in my life. I will truely miss you Aunt Jackie
Paula Roberts
January 15, 2017 | Deridder, LA
She was a great aunt and good friend also. She helped me a lot and I will truely miss her. Tell all hello in Heaven Aunt Jack Love you.
Douglas McCracken
January 15, 2017 | DERIDDER, LA
She was a great aunt and good friend also. She helped me a lot and I will truely miss her. Tell all hello in Heaven Aunt Jack Love you.
Douglas McCracken
January 15, 2017 | DERIDDER, LA
I have many memories of this lovely lady . She taught me a lot while I was growing up ,Leading by example with her soft voice and kind words. we will all miss her deeply. I was Always Proud to be called her Niece
Karen Soileau
January 14, 2017 | Lake Charles, LA
Loved Ms. Jackie,she was always ready to say a kind word to you.prayers for the family
Carol Courmier
January 14, 2017 | Lake Charles, LA