Lee Adams O'Neal

Lee Adams O'Neal, age 59, of Oak Island, North Carolina, passed away on Friday, September 5, 2025, at MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Texas.

Born on September 15, 1965, in White Pine, Tennessee, Lee was the beloved daughter of the late Edgar C. Adams and Barbara Ellen Craft Adams. She was also preceded in death by her stepmother, Louise Cobb Adams; her parents-in-law, Rhett Cogburn O'Neal and Rudolph McClure O'Neal Sr.; and her sister-in-law, Patricia O'Neal Traynum.

On December 20, 1986, Lee married the love of her life, David Shaun O'Neal. Together they shared nearly 39 years of marriage, a partnership built on love, faith, and family. Their devotion to one another was unwavering, and their life together remains a testament to enduring commitment.

She is survived by her devoted husband, David, of Oak Island, NC; her two cherished daughters, Ellen Lewis of Lexington, SC, and Caroline O'Neal of Taylors, SC; and her three granddaughters-Peyton Elizabeth Lewis (11), Collins Grace Lewis (8), and Sophie Blair Wood (4)-all of whom were her greatest joy.

Her loving family also includes her brother, Ben Adams (Donna) of Leland, NC; her sister, Alice McNurlin (Paul) of Ashland, KY; her brothers-in-law, Rudolph McClure O'Neal Jr. (Nancy) and Daniel Cogburn O'Neal (Lynn) of Spartanburg, SC; her sisters-in-law, Pamela O'Neal of West Palm Beach, FL, and Paula O'Neal Adank (Jacob) of Anderson, SC; along with many nieces and nephews who adored her.

Lee built a respected career as a CTE Regional Services Section Chief for the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction, retiring after 30 years of service in education. She began her career in 1994 as a lateral entry teacher with Montgomery County Schools, bringing her business background into the classroom. After relocating to Franklin, NC, she spent several years teaching and, in 2000, earned her National Board Certification for Professional Teaching Standards.

She later received her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Instructional Technology from Western Carolina University, which paved the way for leadership roles in Career and Technical Education across several North Carolina school districts. Her dedication and vision earned her recognition as the NCATEA Administrator of the Year in 2015–2016, as well as a national finalist honor for the Association for Career and Technical Education Administrator of the Year in 2018. In the fall of 2015, she joined the Department of Public Instruction, where she proudly served until her retirement in June of 2023.

Lee was loved and adored by all who knew her, and her impact on education and the countless students, teachers, and colleagues whose lives she touched will be felt for generations.

She was admired by her colleagues for her dedication, kindness, and integrity, and she considered them not just coworkers, but part of her extended work family.

Lee lived a life full of simple joys and deep love. She was an avid reader, happiest with a good book in hand. She loved both the mountains of North Carolina and the beaches of Oak Island, finding joy and peace in the beauty of her home state. Together, she and David raised their girls "from the mountains to the sea" in North Carolina, creating a lifetime of memories that will live on through their family.

She loved nothing more than time with her granddaughters, who were truly the light of her life. A loyal fan of the Clemson Tigers, Lee cheered passionately and proudly, embodying the same spirit she brought to her family and friends. At home, she shared a special bond with her yellow lab, Bo, who was her constant companion.

David's career with the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission was also a treasured part of their journey together, shaping many of the family's memories outdoors and further rooting their story in the natural beauty of North Carolina.

Lee was blessed with the gift of lifelong friendship. Her best friend since high school, Sharon Locke (Steve), stood by her side through every season of life - a bond that was more like family than friendship. In addition, she cherished her 52nd Street family, a circle of friends who became her extended family and brought her endless love, laughter, and support.

Lee's legacy is one of love, strength, and joy. Her marriage of nearly four decades, her devotion as a mother, and the boundless affection she poured into being "Nana" will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind a life stitched into the mountains, rivers, and shores of North Carolina - and into the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 6:00-8:00 pm at The McDougald Funeral Home, 2211 N. Main St., Anderson, SC 29621. The funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at 1:00 pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Pastor Paul McNurlin officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Lee O'Neal memorial fund at MD Anderson Cancer Center via the following link, MD Anderson Cancer Center

Condolences may be left for the family by visiting WWW.MCDOUGALDFUNERALHOME.COM.