Arbutus Martin O’Neal departed this life on December 23, 2009 after a long illness.
She was born to Edith Love Martin and John Calaway Martin on June 25, 1916 in West Jefferson, North Carolina.
She married William Dell O’Neal April 2, 1939.They were married for nearly 60 years before the death of her beloved Bill in January, 1999.
Arbutus and Bill founded and operated Midwest Tape Library for fifty years, with the purpose of collecting and preserving an audio history of Twelfth Step Work with Alcoholics.
Arbutus devoted more than five decades of her life to working with families affected by Alcoholism. She was widely known as a speaker, researcher, writer and organizer; and traveled extensively in the U.S., Canada, Italy and Australia for this work. Programs that she instituted for State Hospitals and on Indian Reservations are still in use.
Arbutus was preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and a brother, as well as her husband, Bill, and her only son Luther Martin O’Neal.
She is survived by her brother, Mike Martin of Hamersville, Ohio, three daughters, Peggy Armstrong and husband Jerry of Odessa, TX, Nancy Chamberlain and husband Keith of Henrietta, TX, Teresa Whittington and husband Leslie Max of Zephyr, TX, and daughter in law Margaret O’Neal of Goldthwaite TX.
She leaves thirteen grandchildren, David Taylor, Annette Haynes, Renee Picklesimer, Steve Tomlinson, Erin Lawrence, Kelly Tomlinson, Bill Tomlinson, Brandy Kreisler, Major Cody Whittington, Casey O’Neal, Bryan O’Neal, Luther Sean O’Neal, and fifteen great-grand children; along with many nieces, nephews and friends who will miss her.
The family wishes to express thanks to the staff and volunteers of Texoma Christian Care and Hospice for their care and kindness.
Memorial service will be at Davis Morris Funeral home at 800 Center, Brownwood TX, on Thursday December 31, 2009 at 2:00 PM.
Donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association or Hospice, in lieu of flowers.
