Joy O'Neal

Joy O'Neal: On To The Great Beyond (Probably with Better Parking) Joy Marlene O’Neal decided to trade in her earthly adventures for the great beyond on Thursday, April 17th, 2025, at the sprightly age of 70. Her earthly vessel, which had called Buckeye, Arizona home for its final chapter, finally succumbed to a bit of kidney trouble. Joy leaves behind a legacy of determination, tenacity, and possibly a few re-arranged shopping aisles by her motorized wheelchair, carried on by her two wonderful daughters, Teresa Pitcher and Sandra Partner. We’re sure they’ll keep her memory colorful, much like one of her beloved adult coloring books. A proud retiree of the US Government, Joy also held a deep affection for her furry companion, Mitzi Sue. When she wasn’t showering Mitzi Sue with affection, you could likely find her meticulously bringing vibrant scenes to life in her coloring books or crafting truly impressive (and eternally blooming) fake flower arrangements. Joy embraced life with gusto. She was a woman who knew the importance of a good shopping trip and cherished her chats with the folks who kept her nails looking fabulous. Born a Texan in Fort Worth on February 9th, 1955, she later graced Holy Springs, North Carolina, with her presence for two decades before heading to South Jordan, Utah, for some quality time with her daughter Sandra. Finally, Buckeye, Arizona, became her last stop, where she enjoyed the company of her eldest daughter Teresa. Now, let’s talk about 2021. That was the year the roads breathed a collective sigh of relief. Once Joy had to hang up her car keys, she took to an electric wheelchair with… let’s call it enthusiasm. There’s a tale whispered around the Buckeye Walmart of an aisle, minding its own business, being nudged a good couple of feet out of place by Joy’s determined navigation in 2024. We’re pretty sure she just wanted a better view of the sale items. In true Joy fashion, her final request was simple and direct: cremation, we can take comfort in knowing she’s now free to navigate the celestial realms without the constraints of aisles or parking spaces. So, raise a glass (or maybe a perfectly colored page) to Joy. She lived life her way with a touch of joyful chaos and persistence.

Joy O'Neal

April 17, 2025