Polly O'Neal's Obituary
Huntersville--Polly Standefer O'Neal, a woman whose warmth touched countless lives, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home on Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88, at Novant Huntersville Medical Center in Huntersville, North Carolina.
Her family found great comfort in the cherished memories of her lengthy conversations with loved ones who had gone before, a testament to the enduring bonds she held.
Born on April 25, 1936, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Polly was the beloved daughter of the late Edith and Leon Standefer, and sister to the late Bobbie Grant and Betty Stansifer.
Polly was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, Guy Edward O'Neal Jr.; her son, Guy Edward O'Neal III; and her daughter-in-love, Megan Feehan O'Neal.
She is survived by her son, Patrick Lee O'Neal, and his wife Julie of Mooresville, NC; her daughter, Poppi O'Neal Tsumas, and her husband Ben of Huntersville, NC; her grandchildren: Guy Edward O'Neal IV and his wife Jordan, John Patrick O'Neal, Christopher Eugene O'Neal, William Feehan O'Neal and his wife Ansley, Annie Tsumas Kramer and her husband Alex, Megan Grace Tsumas, William Nicklaus Brawley, Taylor Andrew Brawley, Sean Patrick O'Neal, and Ireland Anne O'Neal; and her great-granddaughters: Lorelei O'Neal, McKinley O'Neal, Polly O'Neal, and Nellie O'Neal, and her nieces and nephew and their families. Polly also held a special place in her heart for Denise Courson Withers, whom she considered "like a daughter," and her "like my own grandsons", Matthew and Brandon Eakins.
Polly's time at Tyner High School in Chattanooga was marked by her exceptional leadership and dedication. She served as president of the National Honor Society and proudly led the marching band as their Drum Major. Following her graduation, she married Guy Edward O'Neal Jr., embarking on the adventures of married life as an "army wife" and traveling across the country.
Her professional life was marked by her skill in office administration, where she capably managed numerous medical practices. Notably, she deeply enjoyed her roles managing the Southern Eye Institute in Jacksonville, Florida, for Dr. Jerry Maida, and later, The Alabama Kidney Stone Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama.
She was a dedicated and active member of the Samford University Legacy League, contributing her time and talents to their endeavors.
Polly's true passion was found in sharing her faith with children. For an incredible 42 years, she devoted herself to teaching first-grade Sunday School, and for several of those years, she joyfully taught alongside her husband and children, creating lasting memories and a strong foundation of faith for many young lives.
She was a member of First Baptist Huntersville.
Polly's family was the center of her world, and she was their wise and godly counsel, and their constant prayer warrior. She dedicated time each day to studying her Bible and lifting her family up in prayer. Their well-being was second only to her devotion to her Lord and Savior.
In accordance with Polly's wishes, there will be no funeral service. Instead, her family will gather to celebrate her life on Saturday, June 14th, at her home in Huntersville, allowing all her loved ones to attend.
The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to her dedicated medical team at Novant Huntersville Medical Center, the compassionate staff of Novant Hospice Huntersville, and the caring professionals at James Funeral Home for their exceptional care and respect.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations in Polly's memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or Samaritan's Purse
She was a true southern lady, embodying grace, warmth, and a welcoming spirit that endeared her to all who knew her. Always dressed to perfection, often adorned with her signature pearls, she possessed an elegant touch that extended to every aspect of her life. Her beautiful penmanship graced countless thank you notes and letters written on her monogrammed stationery. Polly had a gift for making holidays truly magical, setting the perfect table with meticulous care, and transforming small occasions into cherished celebrations by hosting the most amazing gatherings. Her attention to every detail was apparent in everything she did. She was also the perfect gift giver, and anyone who received a present from her knew that the way it was wrapped was a gift in itself, a testament to her thoughtfulness and love.
James Funeral Home of Huntersville is serving the family.
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