Evelyn Rebecca O'Neal

Evelyn Rebecca Bryant O’Neal, beloved mother, cherished grandmother, aunt, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 11, 2026. She was 96 years old and the matriarchal pillar of her family.

Evelyn was born on September 27, 1929, in Lebanon, Tennessee, to Cornelius Vanderbilt Bryant and Lettie Ledbetter Bryant. She was the treasured youngest of her siblings: Catherine Elizabeth Denny, Ervin Holliway Bryant, Margaret Louise Bryant Hunt, Nellie Lucille Bryant Alsup, Pauline Bryant Frost, Elbert Dayton Bryant, and Callie Ruth Bryant Agee.

In June 1957, Evelyn married the love of her life, George F. O’Neal Sr. While George served in the Air Force, he was transferred to Barksdale Air Force Base in Bossier City, Louisiana, where they made their home. Together, Evelyn and George raised seven children, Carol Presley (Buddy Presley Sr.), Mark O’Neal (Lissa O’Neal), Debbie Berke (David Berke), George F. O’Neal Jr. (Pam O’Neal), Shawn Leach (David Leach Sr.), Misty Mrozek (Michael Mrozek), and Stormy Ryan (Jon Keith Ryan), and one honorary son, Roberto Sanchez Flores.

After George retired from the Air Force, the couple opened Bossier City Nursery and Twin Lakes Summer Camp to serve families in the Shreveport-Bossier community. Their mission was simple yet profound: to provide quality childcare and give parents peace of mind knowing their children were in loving hands. What began as a small endeavor became their life’s work.

For 62 years, Evelyn poured her heart into teaching, cooking, and caring for the children entrusted to her. The daycare and summer camp were more than a business; they were an extension of George and Evelyn’s home and heart. She took immense pride in nurturing generations of families, watching tiny hands grow into confident young adults, and knowing she helped shape their earliest memories. The trust of the parents and the lifelong relationships formed there were among her proudest accomplishments.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Mary Weems, Rosie Riel, Eileen Rahm, Rhonda Chelette, Barbara Horton, Gloria Simison, Gloria McElhannon, and Helen Daniels for their many years of dedication to the children of the daycare and summer camp.

Outside of her work, Evelyn’s greatest devotion was to her family. She gave tirelessly of herself, offering steady guidance, unconditional love, and a home filled with warmth and welcome. Her greatest joy was watching her children carry on her legacy with their own children and grandchildren. Evelyn was also a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star.

Evelyn leaves behind a remarkable legacy of seven children, 23 grandchildren, 47 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents; all of her siblings; her beloved husband; and several nieces, nephews, family members, and friends, including Ellen O’Neal, Mikey Presley, Buddy Presley Sr., Madison Haynes, Tommy Lawrence, Helen Daniels, Helen Green, and McKeelyn Culotta.

Visitation will be held at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2201 Airline Drive in Bossier City, on Saturday, February 28, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., with a celebration of life service immediately following at 12:00 p.m.

The family would also like to express their sincere gratitude to Willis Knighton Hospice, LaDonna Williams, Debbie Morrison, and Susan Leach for their compassionate care and support.

"With deep appreciation, Evelyn's children would like to recognize their sister, Shawn, whose tireless care, patience, and love provided comfort and strength to their mother these last few years. We will never be able to fully express the depth of our gratitude. We love you, Shawny Baby."