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Dorothy M. O'Neal


Sunrise: December 29, 1939

Sunset: August 16, 2020

On the 29th day of December 1939, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Edward Williams were Blessed with a daughter in Durham County, North Carolina. Dorothy Mae, which they named their brown sugar baby girl, was the eldest and only girl of their union. “Dot,” as she fervently preferred, spent most of her grade school years in the county of her birth, but relocated with her parents to Norfolk and later attended Booker T. Washington High School.
In her early teens, another spot of brown sugar came into Buddy and Sarah’s lives, a bouncing baby boy, Phillip. Dot was a protective big sister to “Rick.” Their bond was unshakeable. Aside from Rick, Dot grew up with four of her sistercousins when her mom Sarah became Foster Mother to four of her nieces. Dot enjoyed good food, good music, and a good jig. She met a young Sailor on the dance floor during a night out with her girlfriends. When asked about the meeting, she said, “He looked like he wanted to dance, so we did.” That Sailor, Lonnie O’Neal, Jr. became her husband and she became a devoted Navy wife of 20 years. They started a family in Norfolk, having two sons, Antonnio Delregus and Ronnie Duvale and a sweet baby girl Suzette Marshelle. When asked if France was a dream destination of hers because of the exotic, Parisian names, she replied, “No, I just liked the names.” Dot rolled wherever the Navy sent Lonnie Jr., with her babies in tow. No matter whether it was New York or Puerto Rico, she always kept in touch with her best friend and confidant, her mom.
Dot spent time in the Hospitality Industry in the Hampton Roads area and later retired to become a caregiver for her grandchildren. She said it was always a pleasure taking care of her family, especially her grandbabies. When her baby girl, now a US Army Soldier, received Permanent Change of Station orders to Germany, Dot accompanied them to care of her grandchildren.
It was always so much love in the air when her children brought their own children around her. She was not one for taking pictures, but there seemed to be a sparkle in her eyes in every picture of with young Tron, Tiffany, Tiara, or Brandon. She was extremely proud at how some of them had started their own families and offered help in any way she could. Dot enjoyed good food, a good card game, and soul music. She had an appreciation for spicy and sweet foods. She believed that homecooked meals were best, but a nice burger or Pork Yok did not hurt once and a while. She played intense card games with her brother, sisters, and friends.
While in Puerto Rico, she was on a bowling league. Her favorite saying was “alright now!” when a groovy tune came on. She shared her last bite if it meant feeding a family member that was hungry. She shared her last drop of water if it meant quenching the thirst of a family member. She thought about others before herself and never complained.
Dot is now reunited with her dad, mom, and baby brother whom she missed immensely. She is at rest with both her sons. She is reunited with her lovely aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. She is probably cutting a rug with that old Sailor that has been missing his dance partner for years. But more than anything, she is interceding for the loved ones that remain on this Earth: her daughter, Suzette; grandchildren; great-grandchildren; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, loved ones, and friends.

Viewing Friday, August 28, 2020 2:00pm - 6:00pm Metropolitan Funeral Service 7246 Granby Street Norfolk, VA 23505 Service WATCH SERVICE LIVE ONLINE Saturday, August 29, 2020 4:30pm Metropolitan Funeral Service Granby Chapel Interment Roosevelt Memorial Park 1101 Campostella Road Chesapeake, VA 23320 The family is following the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines for funeral attendance

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Condolences(2)

  1. reply
    Sonya T. Dozier says

    My condolences to the family of such a beautiful soul. Though we’ve never met, I am good friends with your daughter and a great mom always reflects within her children. My prayers are that my friend Suzette finds comfort in knowing that you are in a better place than this earth and that you will continue to watch over her until you both meet again.

  2. reply
    Sharon D. Smith says

    My deepest sympathies for your loss. This has been a trying time for you. My prayers of comfort and strength are sent for you and your family. Find comfort in all the fond memories and knowing she’s at rest and in a better place my friend/my SiStar!

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