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Former VI First Lady Rev Edris O’Neal OBE has died

Former First Lady and woman of the cloth, Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE has died, her family announced on May 24, 2020. Photo: Team of Reporters
The late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE and Reverend Edris O'Neal, OBE, at a Gala Dinner in his honour on November 14, 2015. Photo: VINO
The late Hon Ralph T. O'Neal, OBE and Reverend Edris O'Neal, OBE, at a Gala Dinner in his honour on November 14, 2015. Photo: VINO
Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Julian Willock (centre) has been saddened at the passing of Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE and has asked the people of the Territory to keep the family of the bereaved in their prayers. Photo: VINO/File
Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Julian Willock (centre) has been saddened at the passing of Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE and has asked the people of the Territory to keep the family of the bereaved in their prayers. Photo: VINO/File
McNAMARA, Tortola, VI- Early this morning Sunday, May 24, 2020, the family of the former First Lady and woman of the cloth, Reverend Edris O’Neal, OBE, announced via a statement that she passed away peacefully at her home in McNamara on the main island of Tortola.

The statement noted that "after an extended period of illness and a valiant fight....Rev O'Neal has succumbed to her illness."

Reverend O'Neal was 77, having been born on July 19, 1942.

She is survived by her daughter Abigail O’Neal aka 'Abby'.

The deceased former First Lady is the wife of the late Premier, Hon Ralph T. O’Neal, OBE, Member Emeritus of the House of Assembly (HoA), who passed away last year November at the age of 85.

Reverend O’Neal was by her husband’s side before he became the first Premier of the Virgin Islands (VI) and remained during his long and illustrious political career that spanned over 40 years. She was one of his chief advisors.

Speaker Willock saddened

In an invited comment, Speaker of the House of Assembly Hon Julian Willock said he was “saddened to learn of the news from Abby this morning.”

The Speaker noted he had become very close to Reverend O’Neal, “as I chaired the committee for the state funeral for her late husband Hon O’Neal…it was truly a pleasure working with her on that occasion, as I was moved by her strength and attention to details..she knew what she wanted."

Hon Willock said he is asking “the Territory to pray for Abby and the entire O’Neal family in this time of great loss.”

Virgin Islands News Online joins in mourning the passing of another strong local woman and patriot, Reverend Edris O'Neal.

More details will follow.

24 Responses to “Former VI First Lady Rev Edris O’Neal OBE has died”

  • dog man (24/05/2020, 09:48) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP until we meet again
  • BuzzBvi (24/05/2020, 09:57) Like (5) Dislike (3) Reply
    so sad so sad so sad so soon after her husband
  • R.i.P (24/05/2020, 10:04) Like (31) Dislike (21) Reply

    Government lockdown is way worst than any virus known to man, people going die just expect it, when the body stops moving the way it normally does the heart stops as well but we accept everything that’s pushed on us so don’t complain when people die just accept it like you accept the government telling you to wear mask that will slowly poison your a$%#$, accept it like the government telling you no mass gathering that will be used against you in the long run smh. R.I.P Queen

  • ccc (24/05/2020, 10:11) Like (12) Dislike (2) Reply
    She will be missed
  • blame (24/05/2020, 10:24) Like (4) Dislike (37) Reply
    I blame the ndp and Myron walwyn
    • TORTOLIAN (24/05/2020, 11:05) Like (48) Dislike (0) Reply
      YOU ARE JUST LOOKING FOR PEOPLE TO COMMET FROM PEOPLE. IM TELLING YOU THE DEVIL TODAY ISYOUR DAY GO BACK TO HELL.
    • Memory (24/05/2020, 13:34) Like (1) Dislike (7) Reply
      His name will always be mentioned. So it is written so it shall be done.
    • tretretrete (24/05/2020, 21:31) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
      This person commenting is a demon.
  • What!! (24/05/2020, 10:27) Like (11) Dislike (29) Reply
    Lawdy the virus take a next one
  • Mish (24/05/2020, 10:39) Like (13) Dislike (3) Reply
    I’m so sorry to hear of the death of my former Boss she was a good woman wife and Mother my condolences to the family
  • Joyce M (24/05/2020, 11:14) Like (25) Dislike (2) Reply
    I am so saddened to hear this news today. She has always been a classy, warm and kind person with such an infectious smile, may she RIEP. To Abby, my prayers are with you and your family at this time..
  • Diaspora (24/05/2020, 11:25) Like (26) Dislike (2) Reply
    Another giant of a women has passed..I agree with you Mr. Speaker we will pray for the O'Neal and Christopher families
  • my (24/05/2020, 12:16) Like (10) Dislike (1) Reply
    People need to have respect for this site d Bible says it is appointed un to mam wonce to die so it's high time to have respect for people family when their love one pass
  • ? (24/05/2020, 12:38) Like (11) Dislike (2) Reply
    HELLO THE LADY WAS SICK FOR SO LONG AND YOU ARE BLAMING IT ON THE GOVERNMENT AND THE MASK. SUCH A MOMO YOU ARE MAY HER SOUL REST IN PEACE.
  • Andrew Cox Sr (24/05/2020, 13:14) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    my sincere condolence to the entire O'neal family from my family and thanks for the good memories and guidance
  • Tortolian, StateSide (24/05/2020, 14:15) Like (9) Dislike (2) Reply
    Was shock and sadden by the news that Mrs. O’Neal had passed. She went on to be with the love of her life. My sincere condolences to her family and friends. Rest In Peace Mrs. O’Neal, you will not be forgotten.
  • usa (24/05/2020, 14:18) Like (6) Dislike (2) Reply
    RIP Mrs. O’Neal.
  • good times (24/05/2020, 15:16) Like (4) Dislike (2) Reply
    Were she not there by his side when he was Chief Minister also.?
  • facts (24/05/2020, 16:20) Like (5) Dislike (2) Reply
    Another strong leader in her own rights
  • o (24/05/2020, 21:12) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    RIP MRS O'NEAL
  • Eagle Eye (25/05/2020, 03:00) Like (0) Dislike (2) Reply
    Those mask will surely speed up death if you have other complications rip.
  • @Eagle Eye (25/05/2020, 07:48) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    I am sick and tired of everything that happens in the BVI being blamed on wearing a face mask. I will say this, open everything, ban the face masks and let everyone get infected. You don’t have to keep the mask on your face 24/7, if you feel the need to get some air, just pull the mask below your chin and get some air.


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