Mary Beth O'Connell

Beloved mother and grandmother Mary Beth O'Connell (née Coble) passed away in Weatherford on July 5, 2024. She maintained her bright spirit and kind, friendly demeanor until her last day, despite 50 years of chronic-progressive MS.
Born in Bryan, TX to Ed Coble and Helen Coble (née Dudlefski), Mary Beth grew up with her brothers, Hank and Jim, and sister, Helen, on Odessa Avenue in Fort Worth when there was still space for a horse. She graduated from Our Lady of Victory and St Paul School of Nursing (with academic studies at University of Dallas).
She worked as a registered nurse at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, where she met her husband Dan O'Connell while caring for one of his employees in the ER.
Mary Beth accepted an offer to become a nurse for the Shell refinery while living in Odessa, TX. When the family moved to Greenville, SC, she continued her career in occupational health and safety at Brookline (Carpet) Mills, where her innovative approach to injury prevention and dedication to helping workers manage their chronic health conditions earned her the love and respect of all. Corporate recognition made her one of the first woman safety directors in South Carolina.
Active in her community, Mary Beth was a Red Cross disaster responder, and played a key role in responding to the 1973 tornado in Ninety Six, SC.
As MS began to cause disability affecting her professional life, Mary Beth took up painting, and, in just a few years, became so accomplished that South Carolinians commissioned portraits, seascapes and landscapes. Art remained a lifelong love whenever she was able.
Always looking forward to a better life with Jesus, Mary Beth lived life receiving and reflecting faith, hope and love, whether suffering through common indignities or aiding others in critical situations.
Mary Beth and her family appreciated the many caring people at Visiting Angels, Beyond Faith Hospice, and at Hilltop Park in Weatherford, where she recently enjoyed celebrating Independence Day before peacefully passing away the next morning.
Mary Beth O'Connell is survived by her loving family: daughter Sage Neri, devoted son-in-law Robert, and granddaughter Sabrina O'Connell, of California; son Daniel O'Connell, devoted daughter-in-law Mary, and grandson Brendan, of Benbrook, TX; brother Henry Coble, and devoted sister-in-law AnaMaria, of Garland, TX; and lifelong friends Mary Beth Otto, of Fort Worth, and Shelley Hayden, of Mansfield.
She was predeceased by her parents Edwin and Helen Coble, husband Dan O'Connell brother James Coble, sister Helen Muse, and nephew Ralph (Joey) Muse.