Laura Cathey O'Neal

Laura Cathey O’Neal died peacefully at her home in Rising Fawn, Georgia on August 1st, 2023. Born March 8, 1924 in Cleveland, Tennessee, she was the youngest of the nine children of Roxie Tatum Stonecipher and Jack Cathey. The first in her family to graduate from high school (Bradley County), she was employed by Weldon Gas and Converse Bridge and Steel, where she met her future husband, James William (Bill) O’Neal, Jr. Married in 1946, they lived in the Lakeview, East Ridge, and Trenton areas and were together 42 years until his death in 1989. Great adventurers, they traveled extensively, a passion Laura continued to follow. She loved cooking, caring for her family, was an avid reader all her life, and truly relished a good game of bridge. At age 90, she undertook the rebuilding of her Rising Fawn home after a devastating fire. Always active in her communities, she was a member of the Methodist (Newnan Springs) and United Methodist (First Centenary) churches, and she served in various capacities in the Hodge Sunday School Class and was a member and board member of the United Methodist Women (Holston Conference). Dade County, Georgia community service included the Board of the Cherokee Regional Library (Dade County Public Library) and the Dade County Garden Club. She was also a member of the Hutcheson Medical Center Foundation Board. She was preceded in death by her husband, James William O’Neal, as well as her parents and stepfather (Roxie Tatum Stonecipher, Jack Cathey, and Marcine Stonecipher), siblings (Lucy Groves, Jim Cathey, Fred Cathey, Clint Cathey, Earl Cathey, Nellie Humberd, T.J. Cathey, and Gladys Rule), several step-siblings, as well as several nieces and nephews (Diane Cathey Wade, Doyle Groves, Paul Humberd, Johnny Humberd, and E.J Humberd). She is survived by her two children, Pat and Jayne, their sons, and their children. Son BG (R) James P. (Pat) O’Neal (Lynn) Beaufort, SC; grandson COL (R) Patrick Scott O’Neal (Missie) Clifton, VA; and great-grandchildren Brennan, Patrick, and Ellie O’Neal. Daughter Jayne Griffin (Reese), Rising Fawn, GA; grandson Jamison Griffin (Brennan), Lookout Mt., GA; and great-grandchildren Hill, Candler, and Mary Reese Griffin. Nieces and nephews surviving include Marianna Dickert Williams (Larry), Sand Mt., GA; Steve Dickert (Gloria), Lynchburg, TN; Leola Humberd Evans, Betty Humberd (Paul) and Barbara Humberd (Johnny), Cleveland, TN. Special thanks from the family to Bethany, Stacy, and Barb for their care and devotion in these last years. And another special thank-you to Hearth Hospice for their professionalism and care as well A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for Saturday, August 12, at 11 am in the Old Sanctuary of Trenton, GA Methodist Church. Immediately following, the family will host a “celebration of life and remembrance lunch” at Whisperhills Farm, Rising Fawn, GA. Pallbearers include Scott O’Neal, Brennan O’Neal, Patrick O’Neal, Jamison Griffin, Hill Griffin, Larry Williams, Steve Dickert and Griffin Lifsey. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in memory of Laura C. O’Neal to the following Dade County agencies: -Scenic Dade, P.O. Box 724, Trenton, GA 30752 www.scenicdade.com/donate -Dade County Public Library, 102 Court Street, Trenton, GA 30752 Arrangements by Ryan Funeral Home & Crematory, Trenton, GA.

Laura Cathey O'Neal

March 8, 1924 - August 1, 2023