Beatrice R. (Alleyne) O’Neill

A Life's Journey

On Sunday, May 31, 2020, God called home our loved one, Beatrice Rose (Alleyne) O'Neill, bringing to close a full and fruitful life.  Beatrice, daughter of the late Charles Sr. and Lillian B. Alleyne, was born on October 14, 1943, at Hazard Hospital, Long Branch, New Jersey, third of six children born to this union.

Raised in Red Bank, Bea graduated from Red Bank High School in 1961, and subsequently attended Brookdale Community College.  The Alleyne family were members of Shrewsbury Avenue, AME Zion Church.  Bea had a faithful relationship with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ and was an active member of United Fellowship Baptist Church, Asbury Park, where she was involved in the Scholarship Ministry, Floral Ministry and Food Ministry.  Bea had a successful career with the New Jersey Natural Gas Company, retiring after thirty-eight (38) years from a Customer Service Supervisory position in 2001.

In 1969, Bea married the love of her life, Lawrence (Buddy) O'Neill, a career military man.  In 1970, they became the proud parents of daughter, Jennifer Natalie O'Neill.

Family and friends meant everything to Bea.  A consummate hostess, the O'Neill home was often the meeting place for large gatherings, dinners, parties and cookouts.  In October 2018, Bea and Buddy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary and Bea's 75th birthday with a gala celebration at the Shadowbrook at Shrewsbury, attended by local dignitaries, family and friends from across the country, despite a storm that caused a power outage.

Bea and Buddy had a beautiful and successful marriage and business partnership.  Among their business interest, they owned and operated the Redwood Inn, Neptune.  They partnered with lifelong, friends Fred T. and Natalie, 'Cookie' Smith, in the ownership and management of the Oasis Bar, Asbury Park.  Bea's life and sweet memories will particularly be cherished by her dearest friend, since high school, Natalie (Cookie) Smith.

Bea was a gracious, generous and caring person.  She had a passion for her community and dedicated her adult life in the service of others.  An active, life member of the Central Jersey Club, of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Clubs, Inc. (NANBPWC, Inc.).  Bea consistently engaged to contribute and support the club's mission, programs and advocacy that provided improvements in education, employment, voter registration, health and cultural enrichment for the citizens of Monmouth and Ocean Counties.

She was an officer of the Neptune chapter of the New Jersey Orators and the NJ Natural Gas Company's Lamplighters and Gaslight Club.  She had been a member of the Neptune Democratic Club, the Meridian's Partners in Health and the Continentals Societies, Inc.  Bea was passionate in ensuring that our children succeed educationally.  For many years, she was a part of the team that interviewed and selected scholarship recipients awarded by the Central Jersey Club.  In 2018, a legacy O'Neill Family and Friends Scholarship Fund was established under the auspices of the club.

The O'Neill's loved to vacation, traveling to places throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, South America, Mexico and many Caribbean Islands.  Just a year ago, they took a memorable, Mediterranean Cruise to Italy and Greece with their daughter Jennifer and son-in-law Haven.  Bea and her sisters, planned a Mothers' and Daughters' trip, taken on alternate years, to a destination in the US or the Caribbean.

Beatrice was elegant, outgoing and friendly, yet down to earth and very outspoken.  She had a great sense of humor and a quick smile and laugh.  A true 'Jersey Girl'  Bea was fond of wearing her favorite T-Shirt that read: "Jersey Girl: If my mouth doesn't say it, my face definitely will!" Bea was always on the go and lived life to the fullest, while always taking time to thank God for His favor and His many blessings.

She leaves to cherish her memory, devoted husband, Lawrence "Buddy" O'Neill, daughter Jennifer (Haven) Melton; sisters Carmen Alleyne, Gail Anderson, Marva Dizard and Ramona Young; brothers Charles (Jacqueline) Alleyne Jr. and Michael (Gail) Alleyne; step-daughters Lillian Dunning; Sharon O'Neill; Traci (Mark) Spencer; grandchildren (Lauren, Joseph, Gabrielle, Page, Lindsey, Adam, Haven Jr. and Halle); cousin William Steele; the O'Neill family, the Alleyne family; the B&P club, friends, community members and her nieces and nephews who lovingly called her Aunt Bea.  She was predeceased by her stepson, Lawrence E. O'Neill II.  Her compassion, loyalty and dedication in their lives and all who knew and loved her, is a legacy that will live on.

In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations to the O'Neill Family and Friends Scholarship Fund.  Contributions are tax-deductible and will go towards providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  Checks should be made out to The Central Jersey Club with a note in the memo, O'Neill Family & Friends Scholarship Fund.  Contributions are tax-deductible and will go towards providing scholarships to deserving high school seniors in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.  Checks should be made out to The Central Jersey Club with a note in the memo, O'Neill Family & Friends Scholarship Fund, and sent to the following address:

The O'Neill Family
ATTN: O'Neill Scholarship Fund
801 Stamford Drive
Neptune, NJ 07753

*Due to the COVID-19 pandemic following nationwide social distancing all services are private.  We appreciate your understanding.*