Darryl O'Neal

Darryl O'Neal "entered into eternal rest" on December 4, 2016 at Ochsner Hospital. He was 57 years old. Darryl grew up in the 3rd ward, lived in the 7th ward, and in 1977, he moved to Algiers. As a child, Darryl always loved to dance. His grandmother Zenobia would take him to the parades and when the music started little Darryl would dance. He drew the delight of the crowds and they would give him money. He loved second lining as much as he loved the City of New Orleans. He followed the second lines and the Indians religiously. Whenever there was an event you could find Darryl there dancing among the second liners. We are not sure when he became interested in the Cheyenne Hunters and became a part of their family, but it seemed that he was always running Uptown to work on a suit. His achievements as a Spy Boy to the Cheyenne Hunters are well documented in the New Orleans Advocate, film credit by The Mardi Gras Indian Council and photography by the New Orleans Advocate. He was preceded in death by his parents Jessie Williams and Florence O'Neal. His survivors include; brothers Gregory Williams (Joann) and Troy O'Neal (Michelle), sisters Wanda O'Neal, Cheryl Ann Dillard (David), Valerie Shelly and Sandra T. O'Neal, nephews Miles O'Neal, Hendrix O'Neal (Elisa), Alvin O'Neal, Kyren O'Neal (deceased), Grandville Gould Jr. (Carolyn), Robert Gould, Brandon Gould (deceased), Lionel Lon Burns and Gavin C. Brown, nieces; Nicole Williams, Ashley O'Neal, Robin Smith (Willie), Tanyiel General (Donald), Tijuana Miller, Crystal O'Neal, Katrice Snead County (Russell), Gieselle Burns Fields and Racquel Burns Pettigrew (Curtis) and a host of great-nephews and nieces. He loved and was dearly loved by his family, friends and the Cheyenne Hunters family. He was married and divorced from Jeanetta. He leaves no children. Darryl will always be remembered for his generosity and love of his family, Big Chief Al Womble, Cheyenne Hunters and his community. Although he will be missed, his spirit will live on in the hearts and minds of those who loved him. A Celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday December 13, 2016 for 10:00 a.m. at Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc. 2715 Danneel Street, New Orleans, La. 70113. Visitation from 9:00 a.m. until 10:00 a.m. Interment: RestHaven Memorial Park Cemetery, New Orleans, La. In Lieu of flowers the family ask that donations be made to the Cheyenne Hunters to assist in preserving and making Indian suits. Please send to Big Chief Al Womble, Cheyenne Hunters, 1670 Industry Street, New Orleans, La. 70119. Traditional Jazz Funeral. Arrangements Entrusted To Estelle J. Wilson Funeral Home, Inc. 2715 Danneel Street, N.O.LA. 70113 Information: (504) 895-4903 To sign online guest book please visit www.estellejwilsonfuneralhome.com.