Dorothy Cockrell O'Neal

Dorothy Cockrell O’Neal, 85, passed away on Friday, February 21, 2020 at the SECU Hospice House in Smithfield. Dorothy was born in Johnston County on October 30, 1934 to the late Willie Raymond Cockrell and Annie Udell Godwin Cockrell. She was preceded in death by her husband of 58 years, Patrick O’Neal. Dorothy had worked as a teacher for many years with the Chesterfield County Virginia School System. After her retirement to North Carolina, Dorothy was a member of Center Ridge Presbyterian Church where she was instrumental member of their youth group. Dorothy loved to be in the yard, as it always showed. She was a master gardener and was member of the Master Gardeners of Johnston County. Dorothy also enjoyed being with her Senior Exercise Group at Antioch Baptist Church. The family will receive friends on Sunday, February 23, 2020 from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Kenly Funeral Service. A service to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held on Monday, February 24, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. in the sanctuary of Center Ridge Presbyterian Church with Rev. Clark Vincent officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. She is survived by her daughter, Karen O. O’Connell and husband Johnny of Raleigh; sons, David Allen O’Neal and wife Donna of Union, Kentucky and Douglas Wayne O’Neal and wife Janeen of Frederick, Maryland; and grandchildren, Bryce O’Neal, Victor O’Neal, Samantha O’Neal, Kathryn O’Neal, Mary Christina O’Connell (Dustin) and Amydell O’Connell. She is also survived by her brother, Charles Cockrell and wife Roberta; sisters, Helen Parish and husband Billy and Phyllis Rowe and husband Pete; brother-in-law, Jerry Weaver; sister-in-law, Peggy Cockrell; and special friends, Michael and Karen Hodge and their daughter, Lindsay. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her grandson, Matthew O’Neal and her sister, Judy Cockrell Weaver. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Center Ridge Presbyterian Church, 2712 Glendale Road, Kenly, NC 27542 or to the Jimmy V Foundation, 106 Towerview Court, Cary, NC 27513. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.kenlyfs.com.