Dayhoff Soundtrack: Josephine Davis (Gray) “Josie” O’Neel, 74, of Finksburg

Monday, December 16, 2013

Josephine Davis (Gray) “Josie” O’Neel, 74, of Finksburg

http://www.fletcherfuneralhome.net/obits/obituary.php?id=415370

Josephine Davis (Gray) “Josie” O’Neel, 74, of Finksburg, died Thursday, December 12, 2013 at the Carroll Hospice Dove House.

Born Nov. 9, 1939 in Cleveland, Ohio she was the daughter of the late Henrietta Elizabeth Giessen Gray and Gordon Nelson Gray. Survived by her husband Henry Franklin “Frank” Renard.

She was employed as a realtor with Coldwell Banker. A graduate of Indiana University specializing in social services, she held the Phi Beta Kappa key for academic achievement and was a member of the Alpha Chi Omega sorority.

She was justifiably proud of her lifetime of service to the community as a real estate counselor and mortgage banking officer, being active in the Association of Realtors and holding offices and committee chairs throughout her career. In addition to being an icon in her chosen field, she found time for volunteering and holding offices in both the local Boy Scout troops and the scout council management network. With three sons in a local troop, she was one of the first women to serve in this previously all-male organization, and earned scouting’s coveted Silver Beaver award for her accomplishments.

Her greatest pleasure and satisfaction came from the progress of her grandchildren as they grew. She followed their growth and photographed them at every opportunity. Their visits were waited for expectantly and their “help” in the kitchen brought a glow to her countenance and personality. She loved them dearly.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by sons Bruce Edwin O’Neel of Geneva, Switzerland; Brian Nelson O’Neel of Frederick; and Brent Robert O’Neel of St. Johns, AZ; a sister Jennifer Gray Fidura of Richmond, VA; 10 grandchildren Theodore Vincent, Olivier Nicolas and Sebastien Eduard O’Neel of Montreal, Canada; Caitlyn Anne, Meaghan Emily, Molly Rose, and Claire Marie O’Neel of Frederick; Jonah Michea Judy, Etude Aro O’Neel-Judy and Atsina Greene O’Neel-Judy of St. Johns, AZ; 2 great-grandchildren Wadulisi Judy and Tsuneline Byrd Judy; and a nephew Gordon Nelson Fidura of London, England.

The family will receive friends on Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Fletcher Funeral & Cremation Services, 254 E. Main St., Westminster.

Funeral services will be held Monday at 1 p.m. at the funeral home with Rev. Dave Bare officiating. Interment in Meadow Branch Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Carroll Hospice Dove House, 292 Stoner Ave., Westminster, MD 21157 or the American Cancer Society, 1393 Progress Way, Eldersburg, MD 21784.

http://www.fletcherfuneralhome.net/obits/obituary.php?id=415370

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Kevin Dayhoff is an artist - and a columnist for:

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