Evelyn O. Brown

Surrounded by her loving family, Evelyn O. Brown passed away peacefully on August 6, 2011, just eight days shy of her 84th birthday. The daughter of the late Fred and LouAnn Swaim, Evelyn was born and raised in Winston-Salem, NC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Benjamin H. O'Neal, Jr. and Les Brown. Known for her strong work ethic, Evelyn for 28 years worked for Hanes in Winston-Salem and spent an additional 18 years at Owens Illinois prior to her retirement. Evelyn's life was characterized by her strength-enduring the loss of beloved husbands-and her zeal in mothering and providing for her two sons. Describing herself as a ""Depression Era kid,"" Evelyn was quite frugal, often scrutinizing pennies while shopping in order to boost her savings. She will be remembered for her sense of humor, her humility, and the pride she showed in all of her family and friends. She was a beautiful and wonderful wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend to all who knew her. Evelyn is survived by sons, Benjamin H. O'Neal III and wife Kathy of Winston-Salem, and David K. O'Neal and wife Dale of Raleigh; grandchildren, Kathryn Anna O'Neal and Brett Adams O'Neal; nieces and nephews, Gay Mize, Fred Speaks, Ricky Speaks, Jackie Gooch, Dickie Swaim, and Sandy Smith; and numerous great nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, August 10, prior to the 11:00 a.m. funeral service at Hayworth-Miller Silas Creek Chapel. A short graveside service will follow at Waughtown Cemetery. Special thanks to the WakeMed Staff, especially in the STICU, for their kindness and expert care in Evelyn's final days; to her special cat, ""FatCat""; to her neighbors, Stephanie, Seth, Michelle, and Isaac, who brought such joy to her final years; to her lifelong friend, Frances Mabe, and to the new friends she made this past year at The Heritage in Raleigh. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Forsyth Humane Society, 61 Miller St., Winston-Salem, NC 27104 (336-721-1303), in memory of Evelyn O. Brown. Online condolences may be made to the family at www.hayworth-miller.com.

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