Leland Ann O'Neal-Terrell's Obituary
Leland Ann O’Neal-Terrell was surrounded by her loved ones when she passed away peacefully at 80 years of age. Ann was born in Boynton, OK and it wasn’t long before big adventures began when her father accepted a missionary assignment in Southeast Asia. Before WW-II, her family, along with her uncle’s, sailed to the Philippines. They went again after the war for about 6 years overall. After returning to the US, Ann attended Abilene Christian College, where she met her first husband, had 4 children and settled in Irving, TX by 1968. She graduated nursing school from El Centro College in Dallas, a remarkable accomplishment for a single mother. In the mid 70’s, she was introduced to Walter S. Terrell, Jr. by lifelong friend Jan Crowder. An amazing romance bloomed between them and she considered him the love of her life. After nearly 25 years together and retiring to New Mexico, she eventually returned to Texas some years after Walter’s untimely death. Ann spent her remaining years in the Texas hill country to be close to family. In her last weeks, she blazed a trail across the state to Oklahoma and back, visiting many loved ones, before flying off to Bremerton, WA, where she was unable to realize the wonderful summer planned with her grand-daughter. Those who knew Ann would agree she was a humble, gracious lady who was fiercely independent as well as a loving mother, dedicated wife and good friend. Her can-do, upbeat attitude and thirst for adventure were contagious. Though she retired as a medical professional, she also became a dedicated homeopath. Regular activities included helping others in her community, cooking, avid gardening and an Ambassador for Christ. She also had a passion for politics, enjoyed nature, loved handcrafted projects and read in her spare time. She is survived by siblings Dr. Kenneth O’Neal, Lou Turner and husband Jay, Tim O’Neal and wife Sarah; her children Brent Underwood, Phillip Underwood and wife Lynette, Shelly Pifer and husband Chris, Stacy Kuta and husband Jeff, Grand-Children: Preston Underwood and wife Laeh, LeAnn Hollmuller and husband Derek and Taylor Everett, Great Grandchildren: Faith and Josh Underwood, Gabriel Hollmuller, 5 nieces and 5 nephews, 4 grandnieces and 8 grandnephews and 1 great grandniece; maternal first cousins Pat Cable, Barbara Bare, Rick O’Neal and Deborah Timmerman, maternal great-Aunt: Mae Holman. Preceded in death by her loving and loyal husband Walter S. Terrell, Jr., the father of her children William L. Underwood, daughter-in-law Joy Underwood, parents Rev. Leland O’neal and Wilkey Syvila White and brother Eldon O’Neal. A private internment ceremony is planned for the immediate family. All are welcome to a Celebration of Life memorial is scheduled for June 11th at noon to 5:30 pm, located at Shady Shores Community Center, 101 South Shady Shores Road, Shady Shores, TX 76208. The family gratefully declines flowers but prayers, condolences and memories are gladly accepted at https://www.restlandfuneralhome.com/obituaries/. Memorial donations may be made to Compassion International. Do Not Stand At My Grave And Weep Do not stand at my grave and weep. I am not there. I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow. I am the diamond glints on snow. I am the sunlight on ripened grain. I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circled flight. I am the soft stars that shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry; I am not there. I did not die. – Mary Elizabeth Frye
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