Nelda Putnam O’Neal

Nelda Putnam O’Neal, 90, of Hueytown and Maplesville, left her beloved family to be with our Lord on Thursday, Dec. 7.

She was an active church member throughout her life. She was a woman of great faith, who filled the lives of her family and many friends with love and joy. She will live in our hearts forever.

In 1947, nearing the end of the World War II, the family started a successful business, Putnam’s Florist in Hueytown, which flourished for 34 years. She participated with others from across the United States in coordinating the floral decorations for the Presidential Inauguration of Ronald Reagan and decorating the Washington Hilton Hotel, as well as the other hotels and buildings where the 13 balls and two galas were held.

In 1984-1988, she was secretary to her sister Lillian Howard, Mayor of Hueytown.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her sister, and her brother in law.

She is survived by her husband, Joe O’Neal; daughters, Roxanne Blake (Clay) and Emily Kendall (John Daniels); son, Joe O Neal III (Karen); her sister, Lillian Howard; five grandchildren; six great grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

A memorial service is planned for Sunday, Dec. 10 at 2 p.m. at Maplesville Baptist Church, 9391 AL Highway 22, Maplesville, Alabama 36750.