J’Nelle O’Neal, 56, passed away on May 6, 2015 in Jackson MS from complications due to a lengthy illness she had endured and fought for several years. J’Nelle, along with her business partner Melinda Murphy, was an entrepreneur in the Jackson MS area. Born on June 7, 1958 in New Orleans, J’Nelle was adopted by her parents, Gus “Pete” and Dorothy Leird (both deceased), grew up in Jackson, and spent her married life of 33 years living in Rankin County, MS. J’Nelle was a loving mother to three children and her husband, and will always be remembered by her family, friends, and business clientele for her charming personality and a smile that never went away. She never met a stranger.
She is survived by her husband, Steve O’Neal of Rankin County MS, daughters Katie J. O’Neal of Biloxi MS, Bonnie O’Neal of New Orleans LA, son Brandon O’Neal of Bay Springs MS, sisters Susan Self, Shannon Jones, and Mother-in-Law Katie L. O’Neal, all of Starkville, and Step-Father Frank Allen of Jackson MS.
A private memorial service for the family will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection in Starkville, Saturday, May16 at 10:30. Memorial Donations may be made to Meadowview Baptist Church, 300 Linden Circle, Starkville MS 39759. Family condolences may be made to the O’Neal family at 126 Oakdale Circle, Brandon MS 39047.