Return to: Obituaries | Obituaries Archive

Obituaries
Charlene O'Neal Best (09-29-2009)
A celebration of life will be held for Charlene O'Neal Best, 52, at Trinity United Methodist Church in Ruston, LA on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. with Rev. Andy Hurst officiating.

The family will receive friends at Trinity United Methodist Church on Wednesday, September 30, 2009 at 3:00 until service time at the church. Charlene died peacefully surrounded by her family.

She fought a courageous battle with cancer and was an inspiration to everyone she met.Charlene was born on May 10, 1957 in Ruston, LA and passed away on September 28, 2009 in Ruston, LA.

She is survived by her daughter Katie Clark and husband Cullen of Ruston, one grandchild Cullen Clark Jr., parents Jimmie and Dan O'Neal of Ruston, sister Jan O'Neal Murphy and husband Randall of Ruston, brother Dan O'Neal and wife Lynne of Sibley, nieces and nephews: Anna Mitchell of Fort Myers, Florida, Parker Mitchell of Shreveport, Heather O'Neal Chambliss and husband Donnie of Southhaven, Mississippi, Daniel O'Neal of Sibley, Adam O'Neal of Sibley and numerous other relatives and close friends.

Charlene is preceded in death by her son Jim Taylor "Bo" Best; maternal grandparents Alda and Jim P. Parker, paternal grandparents, Fannie Mae and Eldon O'Neal.

Charlene graduated from Ruston High School and Louisiana Tech University, with a masters degree in elementary education. Her gift and joy of teaching middle school math at I. A. Lewis was evident in the many lives that she touched over her 21 years of teaching. Her creative style is remembered by many of her students as they recall the fond memories of Ms. Best's math class. Her love for children extended beyond the classroom walls, and into the hearts of her students.Charlene was a member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was a devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and aunt. She loved being involved in her children's lives and giving to others. Among her joys were traveling, listening to music, spending time with family and friends and most of all being a "Sunshine" to her favorite grandson.Pallbearers will be Parker Mitchell, Daniel O'Neal, Scott Thompson, Phillip Carroll, Paul McCormack, and Paul Nolan.In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorials to be sent to I. A. Lewis Math Department attention Sonja Walker, principal.

Online condolences may be sent to Charlene’s family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com.Please remember a quote Charlene lived by and enjoyed, "Love generously, Praise continuously, Live fully." - Ellis Porter