Ruby Frances O'Neal

Ruby Frances Madry O'Neal, 103, widow of Joseph Millard O'Neal, Jr., died Sunday, February 22, 2026, at Covenant Place in Sumter, SC.

Born December 17, 1922, in Scotland Neck, NC, she was a daughter of the late James Guthrie Madry and the late Margaret West Miller Madry. In Roanoke Rapids, NC, Mrs. O'Neal taught second and third grades at Acres Elementary, Medlin Elementary, and Clara Hearne Elementary and was the eldest member of First United Methodist Church until its closing. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma educators' honor sorority and participated in civic organizations such as the Roanoke Rapids Woman's Club, Meals on Wheels, garden clubs, bridge clubs, and a study club. After moving to Sumter, she attended the Wesley Class of Aldersgate UMC and various activities at Covenant Place.

Survivors include two daughters, Frances O. Wheat of Sumter and Dorothy Jo "Dottie" Glenney (David); three granddaughters, Dr. Laura Shannon Wheat, Emily K. "Katie" Wheat, and Sara Ashlee Tatum (Aaron Harvey); three great-grandchildren, Melanie Anne Beck, Dylan Michael Harvey, and Elijah David Harvey; nieces and nephews, Margaret Rose B. Jernigan, Susan B. Johnson, J. Patrick Bolton (Jennifer), Charles C. Morgan III, Joseph O. Morgan, L. Diane Morgan Brower, James M. Morgan, and several great nieces and great nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and sister, Alice Miller Bolton.

A graveside service will be held at 2 P.M. Saturday, February 28, 2026, in the Cedar Lawn Cemetery in Rich Square, NC.

Memorials may be sent to Covenant Place (for H.E.G.F.), 2925 Carter Rd., Sumter, SC 29150.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements, with Garrett-Sykes Funeral Service assisting with the burial at Cedar Lawn Cemetery.