Joan L. O"Neal

Joan L. O'Neal, 78, of South Bend, IN. entered His Heavenly Gates at 8 p.m. July 20, 2025, following an illness. Joan was born October 17, 1946, in South Bend, IN, to Mary Green and Doris Lowery. Joan resided in South Bend, graduating from Central H.S., attending IUSB, then after 27 years of service with Bendix, retired. Joan loved the Lord. Been baptized at an early age, she stayed strong within her faith and the Holy Spirit. She was a member of Greater St. John Missionary Church before her health began to decline. Joan's best friend, love of her life, her beginning and end, was her husband, Richard. Joan and Richard were united in Holy Matrimony on July 27, 1968 and to this union they were blessed with one child, Tracy. Joan and Richard went on to own and operate very successful McDonald's franchises after relocation from South Bend to Indianapolis. In 2002, the couple retired to Alpharetta, GA, where Joan resided until the death of her one true love of 40 years, Richard. She then relocated back to South Bend to spend the rest of her days with her daughter and grandchildren.

Joan leaves to cherish her memory, those she called "my kids" who were the light of her life. Beloved daughter Tracy O'Neal of South Bend; two grandsons, Ty Miles of Phoenix, AZ; Trevor Fortune of Indianapolis, IN; granddaughter, Tyra Moody of South Bend; great-granddaughters Arieah Miles, Taliah Miles, and great-grandson Trace Miles, all of South Bend. Joan held a great love for her beautiful cousin Vickie Harris, life-long best friend Shirley Roe both of South Bend; cousin with brotherly love Dewey Pulliam of Kalamazoo; and special friend Ti'Shawna Alexander of Indianapolis. Joan loved her family and friends beyond words and leaves a big hole in many hearts. She was loving, caring, and quick witted with an infectious laugh. Her success, charitable contributions, unwavering love for all "her kids", honorable wife, and loyal friendships to all will be forever celebrated and now written into the book of life.

Honoring the wishes of Joan L. O'Neal, graveside services will be held Saturday, August 2, 2025, at Chapel Hill Funeral Home @ 10776 McKinley Highway, Osceola, Indiana, where she will be laid to rest next to her love, best friend, husband Richard. Following burial, there will be an elegant celebration as Joan intended.

To leave a message for the family, please go to ChapelHillMemorial.com