Obituary of Shirley D. O'Neal

Wayland – Shirley D. O’Neal, 76 years of age, passed away Sunday morning, January 3, 2021 at her home in Wayland. Shirley was born March 4, 1944 in Wayland the daughter of Raymond J. and Pauline (Schirmer) Thielges Sr. Shirley grew up in Wayland and remained a life resident of the Wayland area except for one year in California and a couple years in Elmira. Shirley and Joseph “Puss” O’Neal were married November 24, 1962 and together celebrated over 51 years of marriage prior to Puss passing away in May of 2014. She owned and operated the “Tell Em Where You Got It Shop,” a fishing and hunting supplies store in Wayland for almost 30 years. Shirley was a homemaker and housewife for her family. She was devoted to her faith and family that included her husband, children, grandchildren and most recently her grandchildren! Shirley also enjoyed gardening and cooking; always making sure there was enough for everyone! Shirley was pre-deceased by her parents, Raymond Sr. and Pauline Thielges; her husband, Joseph “Puss” O’Neal; her infant brother, Billy Thielges; and her sister, Rita Bowers. She is survived by her children, Joseph “Brian” (Brenda) O’Neal, William (Melissa) O’Neal, Barbara Gessner, Bonnie O’Neal and Bobby (Bobbie) O’Neal all of Wayland; 16 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; her brothers Raymond J. Thielges Jr. of Perkinsville and Francis Thielges of Wayland; along with several nieces and nephews. Shirley’s family will attend private viewing and a private Mass of Christian Burial at St. Joseph’s Church in Wayland. Committal prayers and interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Wayland. Contributions in memory of Shirley D. O’Neal may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Center, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.