Kay Bostick O'Neal

The angel of death came as a welcome guest to the bedroom of Mrs. Kay Bostick O'Neal on the night of Thursday, February 13, 2025, age 85. She died in her bed with her husband, Dr. Larry O'Neal holding her. Kay Bostick O'Neal was a loving wife, devoted mother and cherished friend to many in Nacogdoches and the United States. Kay was born October 18, 1939, to her parents James Day Bostick and Tressie Stocks Bostick, of Marshall, Texas. Kay's son, Bobby Marshall passed away in Nacogdoches, Texas in 2023 at the age of 63. She met her husband Dr. Larry O' Neal in Dallas, Texas and married in Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church of Dallas in 1977. They were married for 48 years. Her husband survives her.

Kay graduated from Marshall Texas High School in 1957. She attended Scott and White Nursing School in Temple, Texas from 1957 to 1959. She worked as a nurse for surgeons Dr. Baskins and Bellagy, Waco, TX, 1960-1977. From 1983-2004, she worked as an administrative assistant for several Stephen F. Austin State University Presidents and Vice-Presidents. Kay served on the Vestry and Search Committee of Christ Episcopal Church during the late 1990's.

Kay had a passion for painting. She started painting after her retirement in 2004. She painted oil on canvas which is the most difficult type of painting. Kay gave away more than thirty of her paintings to Christ Episcopal Church members.

Together, Kay and Larry shared forty-eight wonderful years, building a life filled with love, laughter and adventures such as traveling to Ireland and Britain. Kay will be deeply missed for her kind heart, generous spirit and infectious smile. Her love, guidance and support touched countless lives, and her legacy will live on through the countless memories and stories shared by those who knew her.

Kay is a descendant of Sion Bostick, who captured General Santa Anna, President of Mexico, at the end of the Battle of San Jacinto in 1836. Sion Bostick was in the company with Samuel Hayter, who was also a hero of the battle of San Jacinto. Interestingly Kay and Larry live on Hayter Street in Nacogdoches which is named for Samuel Hayter. After the capture of General Santa Anna, all of the soldiers wanted to kill Santa Anna, but General Sam Houston decided to ransom Santa Anna back to the Mexican Government. The ransom money was used to fund the Republic of Texas. Without the ransom money there would not have been a Republic of Texas.

"Rest in peace, Our beloved Kay O'Neal. Your love and memory will forever be in our hearts."

A celebration of the life of Kay Bostick O'Neal will be held on March 8, 2025, at 11 AM, at Christ Episcopal Church, Nacogdoches, Texas. Rev. Gary Hill will officiate.