Evelyn Joyce O’Neal

Our beloved mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Evelyn Joyce O’Neal “Sweetie”, 91, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2023, in Odessa, TX.

Evelyn was born on November 10, 1931 in Gray County, TX. She is preceded in death by her parents, Zelma and Vernon Wood Sr. of Ballinger, TX; brother Vernon Wood Jr. of Kermit, TX; and loving husband of 61 years, Shelby O’Neal.

Evelyn graduated from Kermit High School in 1950 before marrying Shelby, the love of her life, in November of 1950. They briefly lived in Hobbs, NM and Andrews, TX before settling in Midland, TX where they remained happily in the same home for 55 years. Throughout her life, Evelyn joyfully worked as a wife and homemaker caring for and serving those around her. She was a proud member of the High Noon Bowling League for more than 40 years where, on her best days, she could bowl a score of over 200.

Evelyn lived her life to the fullest. Not one to prioritize material things, she preferred travelling with her husband and family, and found a great deal of joy in visiting different places around the country. Evelyn was fiercely loyal to those she loved. She lovingly cared for her husband until she was no longer physically able to do so. She was a loyal cheerleader and supporter for her grandchildren, rarely missing an opportunity to enjoy their activities from the sidelines. She remained a loyal fan of her beloved Dallas Cowboys despite their many unsuccessful seasons. Evelyn loved the Lord with her whole heart and was a long-time member of First Baptist Church in Midland. Later in life, she enjoyed watching FBC Odessa on Sunday morning from the comfort of her home.

Nothing in life meant more to Evelyn than family. She was incredibly proud of her husband, three children and six beautiful granddaughters. Later in life she found endless joy in knowing and loving her eight great-grandchildren. Food was her language of love. She was happiest in her kitchen cooking with her daughters or around the dinner table surrounded by family. She was a tiny woman with a big heart who lived her life and loved her family to the fullest. Thank you, our beloved Sweetie, for teaching us the value of family and for loving us all so well. To which she would reply, “Well, you’re just more than welcome.”

Those left to celebrate her memory are her three children, Donna Pittmon and husband Greg of Odessa, TX, Vicky Barr and husband Tom of League City, TX, Terry O’Neal and wife Karla of Crowley, TX; and brother, Samuel Wood of Midland, TX. Cherishing their grandmother’s memory are granddaughters, Tommy Kay Choate and husband Josh of League City, TX, Amy Punchard and husband Jason of Lubbock, TX, Terrie Lynn Hennel and husband David of League City, TX, Kelli Jenkins and husband Corey of Midland, TX, Beth Pittmon and partner David Hill of Odessa, TX and Kerri O’Neal of Midland, TX. Rejoicing in memory of their Sweetie are eight treasured great-grandchildren.

A visitation for Evelyn will be held from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, April 12, 2023 at Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home. Graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Resthaven Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be John “Skipper” Hunt, Corey Jenkins, Jason Punchard, David Hill, Josh Choate, David Hennel and Brady Punchard.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Evelyn’s honor to the Permian Warrior Partnership or the First Baptist Church of Midland.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the caretakers and staff at Orchard Park Assisted Living, to the nurses at Interim Health Care, and to the many friends and family who have reached out with calls, texts and prayers over the past few weeks. Thank you for caring so deeply for our beloved Sweetie. To those who delivered delicious meals, thank you, you are speaking Sweetie’s love language.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

To send flowers to the family or place a tree in memory of Evelyn Joyce O'Neal, please visit our Tribute Store.