OCRACOKE– Bertha Garrish O’Neal, 91, died Wednesday, Nov. 3, 2011 at homeafter a courageous battle with cancer. Mrs. O’Neal, a nativeofOcracoke, was the original owner of the Bluff Shoal Motel. Shewas a member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church, the UnitedMethodist Women, and the Order of Eastern Star. Mrs. O’Nealenjoyed working in her yard, but the love of her life was herfamily.
She was the daughter of the late Preston G. andBertha O. Garrish and the widow of the late Van Henry O’Neal. She wasalso preceded in death by three sisters, Carrie G. Salter, Olive G.Garrish and Aldenia G. Whitehurst, and two brothers, Richard PowersGarrish and Alfred S. Garrish.
Mrs. O’Neal is survived by adaughter, Christine O’Neal and husband, Ben; a son, Ronnie Van O’Neal,Sr. and wife, Martha, all of Ocracoke; a brother, Preston J. “Jule”Garrish of Beaufort, N.C.; two grandchildren, Ronnie Van O’Neal, Jr.,Shannon Love and husband, Eric; three great-grandchildren, Ronnie VanO’Neal, III, Lindsay Love, Preston Love.
Funeral services willbe held at Ocracoke United Methodist Church on Sunday, Nov. 6, at 3p.m. with the Rev. Laura Stern officiating. A committalservicewill follow in the Garrish Family Cemetery. Memorialdonationsmay be made to Ocracoke United Methodist Church.
Twiford FuneralHomes’ Island Chapel, Hatteras, NC is assisting the family witharrangements. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.twifordfh.com
