O'Neal Hickman Johnson

O’Neal Johnson, formerly of Surfside Beach, SC and Fayetteville, NC passed away at Lexington Community Hospice House on Saturday, January 25, 2025.

She was born in St. Paul’s, NC on Nov. 17, 1940. She was preceded in death by numerous and precious loved ones; both parents, Kesley Rudolph Hickman and Mollie Jenkins Hickman of St, Paul’s, NC., both brothers, Charles, and Rudolph “Rudy” Hickman, two children, Sara Jones Kashner, and Charles Clark Jones, Jr. of Myrtle Beach, SC and two grandsons, Freddy Oldorff III and Jesse Dale Kashner of Myrtle Beach.

Saying O’Neal was one of a kind, is an understatement. She loved the beach, country music, her family, and was generous to a fault. She was a Baptist and loved the Lord. She graduated St. Paul’s High School in 1959 and always worked. First, she was a switchboard operator, then worked a long-time in the Civil Service as a dental x-ray technician on Ft. Bragg Army Base. After that, she moved to Myrtle Beach and worked several jobs including Motel manager and Bob Evans Hostess.

She is survived by her daughter, Jenny (Jennifer) Jones Warden, recently of Walhalla, SC but mostly from Myrtle Beach, SC. O’Neal is survived by her two granddaughters, Kayla Danielle Oldorff and Sophie Marie Kashner, both of Myrtle Beach. O’Neal is survived by one grandson, Levi Gavin Kashner, also of Myrtle Beach. Her great-granddaughter Karson Kay Oldorff, of Myrtle Beach was the apple of her eye.

O’Neal may no longer be with us, but she left an indelible mark on our lives forever. To honor her memory, a small memorial garden will be created by Jenny, and you may wish to donate a plant to be added as part of a living tribute to her unique and enduring spirit. A memorial service will be held in Garden City Beach at a later date.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Leave a Tribute” tab above.