Barbara Jean O'Neal's Obituary
Barbara (Price) O’Neal was born on July 20, 1937, to Carlton E. Price and Edie Lee Watley in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She graduated from Merrill High School and later moved to Butte, Montana, where she attended business college. After earning her degree, she relocated to Los Angeles, California, and married her husband, David E. O’Neal, also from Pine Bluff.
Barbara’s career reflected her dedication, talent, and entrepreneurial spirit. She worked for Pacific Bell, LCS Law Firm, MCA Universal, and Media Forum. She volunteered with the Disabled American Veterans Auxiliary (DAVA), ran a side business selling jewelry, and owned a company providing secretarial and administrative services to professionals across various industries.
Barbara and David lived in the Baldwin Hills community for nearly 50 years, where they raised four children. They later retired in DuPont, Washington. Barbara was the heart of her home, known for hosting family gatherings and welcoming others with warmth and generosity. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, famous for her peach cobbler, pecan pie, and macaroni and cheese.
She loved dining out, traveling—especially to Las Vegas— grocery shopping. humming and singing her favorite tunes, Above all, Barbara loved the Lord and served Him faithfully.
Despite serious health challenges—including nearly a decade on dialysis and a double above-the-knee amputation at age 86—Barbara remained resilient. Just months after surgery, she attended the 2023 Price Family Reunion in Pine Bluff and continued to live with joy and faith. Her setbacks became comebacks—opportunities to love, laugh, and embrace life even more.
Barbara was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, David E. O’Neal; her son, Ray O’Neal; brothers, Roderick Price and Carlton Price Jr.; and sisters, Gail Neal and Zondra Young.
She is survived by her children, Michael (Lucia) O’Neal, David L. O’Neal, and Davina (Jerry) Clardy; grandchildren, Leah, Jaden, Noelle, Kaila, Mya, and Olivia; her sister, Marjorie Yvonne Smith; and many loving relatives and friends.
Barbara’s life reminds us to do more, love freely, smile often, laugh out loud, and always plan the next adventure. Her legacy of faith, strength, and joy lives on in everyone who knew and loved her.
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