Jackie Mercer O'Neal

Jackie Mercer O’Neal, 96, passed into the presence of her Heavenly Father on Friday, January 13, 2017.

Mrs. O’Neal was born on March 7, 1920 in Hope, Florida to Luther Monroe Mercer & Ethel Lou Cooper. She was raised in Dry Creek, LA where she was a 1937 graduate of Dry Creek High School. Shortly after graduating, she entered into nursing school where she met her future husband Wesley L. O’Neal. In 1940, she became a Licensed Practical Nurse working at the Shreveport Charity Hospital Training School, soon afterwards, she married the love of her life. For the next 40 years, Mrs. O’Neal devoted her life to nursing and caring for others at various medical facilities in Lake Charles. Even in her later years, she continued to nurse and care for the many friends she had made at Landmark of LC nursing home.

She was a devoted member of East Ridge Baptist Church where she loved to sing in the choir and enjoyed fellowshipping with her sweet friends in the Willing Working Sunday School class.

She was proceeded in death by her husband, Wesley L. O’Neal; her only child, Barbara Ann O’Neal Irwin who was her greatest joy in life; and parents, Luther & Ethel Mercer; sisters Ora Moses, Ada Vee Reeves; brother L.M. Mercer, Jr.

She leaves to honor and cherish her memories three grandsons, Troy Irwin (Ollie), Brandon Irwin & Heath Irwin (Chassidy); four great-grandchildren, Amber, Natalie, Lindsey & Peyton Irwin; one sister, Iola McCracken; three brothers, Frank Mercer, Dudley Mercer & Jerry Mercer.

Jackie will be remembered by her family and friends for her kindness and unconditional love.

Visitation will be on Sunday January 15, 2017 from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home. Visitation will continue at the funeral home on Monday, January 16, 2017 at 10:00 AM with Funeral services beginning at 2:00 PM. Graveside services committal services will follow at Dry Creek Cemetery.