Joy O’Neal, Beloved Wife Of the Dixie Melody Boys' Ed O’Neal, Passes Away

Joy Winstead O'Neal, the wife of Ed O'Neal, has died. Joy is the wife of Ed O'Neal who is the founder of the Dixie Melody Boys.  She was 60 years-old. She passed away on Sunday, July 10th, surrounded by her loving family. 

Also known as "Miss Joy" or "Mama Joy," Joy had a long battle with Alzheimer's before her passing. Together with her husband, they have impacted many with their devotion to one another and to their family. Miss Joy's devotion to family enabled Ed to travel sharing the gospel in music for over 50 years. That same love and nurturing was graciously extended to countless band members as well as their families whom she mentored throughout her husband's career.

A lover of children, she influenced many young Lenoir County lives through her work in her own day care center, the City of Kinston recreation department as well as the children's ministry at Tanglewood Church where so was a devoted member for many years. In addition, she was active with the local pageant associations where she loved being a part of the various pageants in the area.

A gifted seamstress, she gave generously of her talents to design and create most of the costumes for The Victor, her church's Easter drama, involving hundreds of cast members over a period of 20 years. It was her great passion!

Joy was a role model to many with her energetic, spontaneous, nurturing and giving spirit, generosity, servant heart, love for children, family and her Lord. Hers was indeed a life well lived.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children and their spouses Allen and wife Teresa, Randy and wife Laura, and Dara and husband Bill and six grandchildren Austin and wife Elizabeth, Lyndsay and husband Brian, Joshua, Logan, Evan and Spencer.
Visitation will be held at Tanglewood Church in Kinston Tuesday evening, July 12th, from 6-7:30 p.m. Celebration of Life Service will follow with Pastor Allen Stocks officiating. Private graveside services will be held on Wednesday, July 13th.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to The Victor @ Tanglewood Church, 2103 Rouse Road, Kinston, NC 28504 The family wishes to extend sincere thanks to Community Home Care and Hospice and the staff at The Village of Kinston for their tender, loving care of Mama Joy

 

 

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