Ann Levell O'Neal
March 3, 1943 - December 27, 2014
Obituary
Ann Levell O’Neal was born on March 5, 1943 in Dallas, Texas, to Annie Lucille and Oscar Vance Nicholson. On December 27, 2014, our matriarch left us to be with our Lord Jesus Christ, lovingly surrounded by her family and friends.
Ann accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and was baptized at Gains Chapel A.M.E. in Dallas, with Rev. Hutchinson as her pastor. When Ann moved to Seattle, she joined First A.M.E. church.
Her fondest childhood memories were of attending Vacation Bible School and summer visits to Grandma Sally’s farm in Lubbock, TX.
In Dallas, Ann attended St. Peter’s Catholic School, Julia C. Frazier and Lincoln High School, graduating with the class of 1962. Ann continued her education at North Texas State University, Seattle Central Community College and Seattle University. In 1973, Ann earned a Bachelor of Education degree. Ann was the first in the Nicholson family to graduate from college, an accomplishment she was very proud of. But what made her most proud was celebrating the graduations of her family and friends. Her motto was “celebrate every graduation.” It did not matter whether it was from preschool, kindergarten, 5th grade, high school or college. She would say that by celebrating, “They’ll want another one.”
Ann was married to Frank O’Neal. From their union, Toni D. O’Neal and Terrance D. O’Neal were born. In 1967, following a vacation to the city, Ann, Frank and their young family moved and settled in Seattle.
Ann retired from Seattle Public Schools in June, 2008 after a career spanning 35 years. Her profession permitted her to touch over 1600 young lives directly and many more indirectly. She considered teaching to be very rewarding. She enjoyed being part of her students’ love of learning and their social/emotional development. For Ann, education was of utmost importance.
Ann encouraged, helped and touched everyone’s life she encountered. She loved and cherished her family and friends. She treasured spending time with both. Memorable times include ‘Family Christmas Programs’ when everyone tried to bring on their best acts. They brought a great smile to her face and made her laugh that very special laugh. These are precious moments that will forever be remembered. Ann was “Gran-O” to her family and they shared “Gran-O” with everyone. Her impact stretched over generations.
Ann was preceded in death by her mother and father, her older sister Wanda June Nicholson, Aunt Mary Lee Calloway and Grandmother Sally Fisher.
Ann leaves behind to cherish her memories:#1 daughter Toni D. O’Neal (Ed), #1 son Terrance D. O’Neal; sisters Joyce Harris (Cecil) of Dallas, TX, Glenda Nicholson and Debbie Cavitt of Seattle; brother Gary Lynn Nicholson of Colorado Springs, CO; grandsons Burnis Lee Jones III (Maggie) of Lynnwood, WA, Edward Pelzer and Darian Pelzer of Seattle, Terrance O’Neal-Woodbury of Washington, D.C.; and granddaughter, Khalia O’Neal-Williams of Edmonds, WA; honorary grandson Shelton Danzy plus two great grandsons and a host of nieces, nephews, family, and friends. Ann also leaves behind Dr. Cornelius Nicholson (Seok Bee), Harold Nicholson, Tommy Nicholson, children of deceased sister Wanda, for whom she was their second mother.
Let us honor Ann’s life by holding close her legacy, “Forgive and love each other!”
Me Anne your smile and sense of direction will never be forgotten. Family remember God has the last say. My prayer for the family be steadfast and unmovable. Keep God first in your life. Luv u all.
Ann was a neighbor, friend, and like part of a second family to me. While I hadn’t seen her in a while, I miss her so much already. She was a loving soul with a tremendously generous spirit, and I loved her for that.
To Toni, Terri, and everyone else in Ann’s family, my deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences. May the comforting spirit of God embrace you in peace and love and allow you to embrace one another likewise, as Ann would have wished it so.
Yemisi
I was really sorry when I heard of the passing of Ms. Oneal. It reminded me of how much my mother loved her and we became family.I pray that the family can find love and comfort in knowing that God always welcomes his children home with the words; well done my good and faithful servant.She will be truly missed……..
Ann, you and your contagious laugh and your special way with children will never be forgotten. They continue to live on through us who were honored to have known you and considered family.
The Nunnerys