Obituary of Brenton Hunter O'Neal

Brenton Hunter O'Neal was born on October 28, 1987 to Jacqueline Marie O'Neal and Elgin Fear Wilson (deceased) at Christiana Hospital in Newark, Delaware. Brenton accepted Christ at a young age and was Baptized on May 26, 1996 at Alpha Baptist Church by Pastor Darrell V. Freeman, Sr.; where he was known as “Little Deacon“ as he followed behind his Pop Pop. He was active in Sunday School and Summer Camp, as well as the Youth Ministry under the leadership of Rev. Jeffrey Johnson. He also completed Teenagers Spiritual Gifts Class in February 2001. Brenton was reared in Dunleith Estates in New Castle Delaware and Devon Place in Newark, Delaware until his mother moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1996. There he was home schooled for one year by his Aunt Mischelle and his mother. He then attended 5th & 6th grade at Cheyenne Elementary School (Peoria, AZ) 1997-1999. While living in Arizona, he also became a member of Antioch Baptist Church (Phoenix). They relocated back to Delaware in July 1999 where he attended Shue-Medill Middle School, Newark High School and later graduated from James H Groves High School. There he was on the honor roll for the entire 2006-2007 school year and graduated in June 2007. Brenton enjoyed soccer, karate and swimming as a young boy growing up, but his greatest passion was music. During his time in Arizona, his Aunt Mischelle discovered that he had a great gift for singing just like his Pop Pop. She encouraged him by engaging in various forms of music. As a youth, one of his favorite songs was “My Favorite Things” from the Sound of Music. He participated in the 2000 Delaware All-State Junior Chorus as a tenor representing Shue-Medill School at the 2000 Gala All-State Concerts presented by The Delaware Music Educators Association. Upon returning to Delaware he continued his music pursuit by participating in the choirs at the schools he attended. As a member of Alpha Baptist he was part of the Teenage Choir called Heaven Sent where they sang every 3rd Sunday and the congregation looked forward to hearing them sing Donnie McClurkin’s “I do I do” and Kirk Franklins “Brighter Day” which he still loved until the day he departed from us. He even took his mother’s CDs: Anointed’s- The Call, The Rebirth of Kirk Franklin & Donnie McClurkin Live in London out of her collection down through the years. Brenton graced the family with his melodic voice on many occasions, but he was very shy and reserved with his gift. He sang for his grandparent’s 50th wedding anniversary and you would have thought Luther Vandross was in the building when he sang “You and I”. He also sang “Always and Forever” with his Aunt Mischelle for his great grandparent’s 70th anniversary. Brenton had engaged with various music industry persons in Wilmington, Delaware as well as Los Angeles, Houston and Tennessee. With more time we believe he would have been a well-known artist. Brenton has written several songs and completed a Demo CD; who knows, you may hear it. From an early age Brenton wanted to make his own money. He started working in Customer Service in 2004 just shy of his 17th birthday at Best Buy. He went on to work for various other companies including GameStop, Comcast, Bank of America, Verizon, and Walt’s Flavor Crisp and most recently Food Lion. Brenton was also preceded in death by his Uncle Albert Sidney O’Neal, Jr.; paternal grandparents Ruth C. Simpson and Earl F. Wilson; Uncle Timothy Wilson; maternal beloved great grandparents Robert Lee & Lillian Watson, Sr.; Annie (Leonard) Simms & Willie Clarence O’Neal. Brenton was well loved by many and he will be greatly missed. He was affectionately known as Brent by many, B. Hunter by his grandmother and “Booter” by his best babysitters/cousins Robyn & Tiffany. His smile, laughter and many precious, loving memories will be cherished by those still here celebrating his life. His loving devoted mother Jacqueline Marie O'Neal, beloved maternal grandparents Albert “Pop Pop” and Alfreda C. O'Neal; Aunts and Uncles Joyce Vega(Bernard) of New Castle, DE; Paula Simpson of Bear, DE; & Herman Wilson of New Castle, DE; Janet Harvey (Mark) of Richmond, TX; Robert O'Neal (Mischelle) of Leesburg, VA and Annetta Williams (Donald) of Huber Heights, OH; 5 brothers and sisters: Jamaar Manlove, Tiara Black, Elgin Wilson, Jr., Ny’aira Thomas Wilson and Nasir Thomas-Wilson; his devoted cousins who he called his brother and sister Devon Simpson and Jonetta Johnson as well as other 1st cousins Tracey Simpson, Robin Baldwin, Talyce Wilson-Price, Joshua Wilson, Marcus Harvey, Jasmin Harvey, Marcellus Harvey, Zachariah Williams & Sydney Williams; Godparents: Wayne & Cynthia Carter; Godparents/Great Uncle-Aunt: Duvall Watson, Sr; Cheryl Watson and; Great Aunts Harriett “Peaches” & Alice; Great Uncle Bob; adopted aunts Flo, Lori, Sharon, Angie, Valerie and a host of other cousins, relatives and friends.