Deborah Ruth O'Neal
September 13, 1953 ~ March 1, 2021
Deborah Ruth (Debbie) O'Neal, 67, of Hughes Springs, Texas passed away on March 1, 2021 in Longview, Texas of cardiac arrest. Debbie was born in Alexandria, Louisiana on September 13, 1953 to Orval and Gloria O'Neal. A few years after Debbie was born, the family moved to Hughes Springs, Texas where Orval began his career at Texas and Northern Railroad. The Austin Stone house on a corner lot in the "Williamson Addition" where the family settled became a hub of activity for many kids in the neighborhood. Debbie's best friend for life, Trena Reid Kirby, lived just up Hickory Street; many other dear friends lived in the neighborhood as well. In school, Debbie loved being in the Hughes Springs Mustang band, was an excellent saxophone player, and was voted band sweetheart. She also enjoyed acting, and won best actress in the UIL one-act play competition as "the Old Crone," which role became fodder for jokes for many years at her expense. Debbie attended Tyler Junior College where she was a proud member of the Tyler Apache Band and was thrilled to get to perform in the Cotton Bowl and in Cowboy Stadium on multiple occasions. One of her favorite band stories was the domino effect of band members behind her when she fell down during the Tyler Rose Parade; unhurt, she was able to get back up and carry on.
After graduation from Stephen F. Austin University, Debbie went to work in Dallas at Belden Associates, a newspaper research and strategy company, and worked her way from clerical staff to Senior Research Associate. Debbie loved her job and through serving on the Board of the International Newspaper Marketing Association she traveled to England and Brazil and met lifelong friends around the world. Debbie then took a job as Director of Research at the Macomb Daily in Detroit, MI, which expanded to Director of Marketing Research at Greater Detroit Newspaper Network. Although she would always be a Texan at heart, Debbie loved living in Sterling Heights, MI, a leafy suburb of Detroit. She loved lighthouses and drove to as many as she could find. She enjoyed having friends and family visit, and planned fun excursions including to Frankenmuth, MI for Christmas festivities and Mackinac Island. After leaving Detroit, she finished her newspaper career at the Dallas Morning News before moving back home to Hughes Springs.
Debbie loved all the cat children she had through the years, the band Chicago, the Dallas Cowboys, Stephen King novels, the Moldau by Smetana, photography, her family, and her many friends. She was predeceased by her mother, Gloria O'Neal Denny. She is survived by her father, Orval Dewitt O'Neal and step-mother Peggy Elrod O'Neal, of Gilmer, Texas; her sister and brother-in-law, Rikki and Mike Jones, of Chicago, Illinois; her beloved cat, Beau, who has found a happy home with Erica and Ronnie Chittenden and family; and her many friends. Special thanks to Ryan Watkins of Hughes Springs and David and Sheila Montgomery O'Neal for their generous and thoughtful help over the past years when Debbie was no longer able to manage on her own.
A memorial service will be planned at a later date.
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Debbie will always be remembered! I remember so many good times, especially playing at Trena’s house! Praying for her family!
so sorry for ya'll's loss. praying for this family
I worked under Debbie at The Macomb Daily and couldn't be more blessed to have such a wonderful lady as my boss, mentor and friend. She was the one who believed in me, brought me onboard and introduced me to the wonderful group of people that became like a second family. Working for and getting to know her was a true blessing. Her laughter. kindness and beautiful accent will forever hold a place in my heart. We lost a great friend who no doubt touched the hearts of many, Heaven gained a sweet southern Angel… My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends as she will be dearly missed.
You always made us laugh with your funny stories wherever we were. Love you, Good Friend.
Marilynn
I loved Debbie, and I admired her because she was so honest, and a good friend to those who knew her.
Debbie was a friend and a a fabulous person. She was a part of the Reid family and was loved by all of us. God be with all of us who will miss her.
Prayers
Debbie was a very special person who enriched many lives. Please accept our prayers of comfort, healing, and sweet memories.
Debbie was a special person. Always such fun. In this pic of us and our classmates, Deb was right in the middle, as she was always surrounded by friends. So many great memories. Thankful you are in Jesus’s arms now, my friend.
Debbie, your smile, generosity and love will truly be missed! Rest in Peace Daybee.
Debbie and I worked together at Belden Associates and have maintained our friendship throughout the years. My heart hurts to hear of her passing but know she is at peace. My condolences go out to her family.
I worked under Debbie at The Macomb Daily and couldn't be more blessed to have such a wonderful lady as my boss, mentor and friend. She was the one who believed in me, brought me onboard and introduced me to the wonderful group of people that became like a second family. Working for and getting to know her was a true blessing. Her laughter. kindness and beautiful accent will forever hold a place in my heart. We lost a great friend who no doubt touched the hearts of many, Heaven gained a sweet southern Angel… My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends as she will be dearly missed.
Loved visiting with Debbie. She was quick-witted and always interested in her hometown people. Prayers and love sent to her family ??🙏🏼
I’m so very sorry and send prayers for comfort and peace.. I love you Rikki and always loved all your family.. Debbie will be missed by many.. I’ll be keeping your family and your dad in my prayers .. love always.. Charlotte Windham Skiba.
I will always remember growing up across the street from you and your family!! We had so much fun in our old neighborhood. You will be loved and missed forever! Love and prayers to your family.
My sincerest sympathy,
Murralyn Gibson
No matter how many birthdays went by, Debbie and I would always act like silly teenagers when we got together. We had so much fun! She was a wonderful friend.