Teresa Marie Coffey O’Neal died June 23, 2022, at her home in Ocracoke, North Carolina, with her husband by her side.
Teresa was born on April 5, 1962, in Hollywood, California to James Lawrence “Larry” and Mary Angie Rohde Coffey. Teresa grew up in Southern California and graduated high school in Bend, Oregon. After graduating high school, she returned to Malibu, California to attend UCLA. After leaving UCLA she began a teaching career at Malibu Methodist School, where she taught for more than 18 years. In the summer of 1999, Teresa came to Ocracoke for a vacation to see some long-time friends, she quickly fell in love with Ocracoke and one of its local boys, Albert O’Neal. The next summer she returned and made Ocracoke her home, marrying Albert in 2002. In 2003 Teresa and Albert purchased The Island Ragpicker and ran a successful business until the time of her death. Teresa was an active member of the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, and served as their Treasurer for 17 years, until illness would no longer allow her to serve in this position. Many people referred to Teresa as the “Bingo Queen”. For many years, locals and visitors alike looked forward to the weekly Bingo game that was held at the Old Ocracoke Fire Department. You simply did not attend Bingo that Teresa and Albert were not there running the show. This fundraiser, along with the Annual Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department Firemen’s Ball were instrumental in the construction and ultimate completion of the new Fire Department. Teresa, being a small business owner, served on the Ocracoke Civic and Business Association Board for two years. Teresa was also a leader for the Ocracoke Girl Scout Troop for six years and touched the lives of many of the island’s youth. Teresa also served on the Board of Directors for the Ocracoke Island Day Care Center for 5 years. Coming from a teaching background, these positions were near and dear to Teresa’s heart.
Teresa is survived by the love of her life and husband, Albert Reid O’Neal; mother, Mary Coffey; sister Sheila Northgrave and husband Dennis; father and mother-in-law, Edward and Stella O’Neal; brothers-in-law, Eddie O’Neal and wife Pam; Andy O’Neal and partner Cathy; sister-in-law, Stephanie O’Neal; nieces and nephews, Candice Northgrave; Ryan Northgrave and wife Ashley; Meghan Causey and husband Clay Causey; Chad O’Neal and wife, Erin and Nicole O’Neal. Great nieces and nephews, Jackson Causey; Case Northgrave; Sullivan Causey; Tucker Northgrave; Carter O’Neal; Kyler Luna and Amaya Luna. Also, Teresa’s lifelong friends, Linda Schicker and husband, Maurice Oehlsen and Janet “JuJu” Baker.
She was preceded in death by her father, James Lawrence “Larry” Coffey.
A celebration of life will be held later in the fall at a time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, PO Box 332, Ocracoke, NC 27960 or Ocracats, PO Box 993, Ocracoke, NC 27960.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
.
Twiford Funeral Home (Outer Banks)
500 Budleigh Street, PO Box 595,
Fax: (252) 473-3392
Email: David.Jr@TwifordFH.com
Offer Condolence for the family of Teresa Marie Coffey O’Neal
Print Obituary & Condolences
Kim
Albert I’m so very sorry for your loss, always cherish your memories of her, you are truly a good guy, and she was one of the lucky ones to have you.
Linda, Maurice and Brian
There are just no words. The loss is too great. You were my sister and my oldest friend. And I will carry you in my heart, with me, always.
Albert, we cannot know the depth of your grief, but we love you, and you are now and forever will be part of us, just as T was.
Our deepest sympathy to you, your and Teresa’s families, and all who loved Teresa.
Joan
This is so sad what a wonderful person the island has lost I am so sorry Albert she fought hard an long to stay here
Be strong like her an carry on her work
God bless you an your family
Jamie & Koren Garrish
Truly sorry for your loss. Praying for you and your family.
Dougie
Albert, I am so sorry to hear of you enormous loss. I send you peace and positive vibes.
Dougie
Clif Parker
Albert you are in our prayers
Joe Ben and Pat Garrish
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this very difficult time.
Caroline Willis
Please accept our most sincere condolences for your loss. We will be keeping you in our thoughts and prayers. Please let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Your brothers and sisters Down Sound at Down East Fire Department
Tommy and Babs Chandler
Albert we are so sorry to hear about Teresa. Out thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.
Jan Beaudreau
Sometimes T’s bright light seemed so brilliant, it was almost blinding.
Pretty much seems unjust that she is physically no longer here.
Hope that as long as I am still in this crazy world, I will forever hear her laughter.
Her beautiful Spirit remaining, will have to satisfy us all for now.
Sending love to her adoring husband and to her remarkable sister, Sheila, and to her one of a kind, mom, and all of her family
Mary
Albert I am so sorry for the loss of Theresa. My heart is breaking for you and your family. May the lord wrap his arms around you and comfort you. Theresa was a beautiful person, inside and out, she is missed by everyone who knew her.
Terry-Jo and MarkFalcon
Sheila, Dennis and family. So sorry for your loss. We remember her well.
Rosa Mayo
My thoughts and prayers are with you Albert, and all the family. May you all find comfort in the wonderful memories you all share and the wonderful love of family you are blessed to have.
Forrest Midgette
Albert sorry to hear of your loss its tough I know. Just remember all the good times my friend.
Debbie Berkeley
My deepest sympathy on the loss of your wife and family member Teresa she was a good friend and mentor as I worked with her at Malibu Methodist Nursery School for 14 years. She was one of the kindest people I know.
Vanessa (Coffey) Cabello
I am so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. I remember her fondly As my fathers most cherished cousin, as well as the cool aunt while growing up. She will be missed.
Rosemarie & Steve Doshier
Dear Albert, we were so sorry to hear of Teresa’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as we know there will always be a part of your heart missing. Remember the good times and may they help you through these difficult times. Rosemarie & Steve