With his loving family by his side, Rev. Sherwood Baker O’Neal, 84, finished his race and claimed his victory with his Lord and Savior, Sunday March 15th, 2026.

There will be a Celebration of Sherwood's life Thursday , March 19, 2026 at 2: p.m. at The Tarboro First Pentecostal Holiness Church with the interment following in the St. Michaels Episcopal Church Cemetery, Tarboro.

He is preceded in death by his mother Jeanette Leggett Bobbitt, his brother Bobby O’Neal, and two sisters, Jean O’Neal Lewis, and Marie O’Neal Matson.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Mary Bass O’Neal of 62 years to cherish their memories. He will also be greatly missed by his four daughters and sons-in-law, Laura Bryce (James), Sharon Varnadore (Raymond), Janet Norville (Mitchell), and Cindy Drake (Kenneth).

Rev. Sherwood was blessed with 12 grandchildren, Julia Bryce Brantley (Kyle), Cameron Bryce (Charity), Genae Bryce Powell (Arthur), Jonah Bryce, Paul Bryce (Lauren), Cole Varnadore, Dianna Norville Clark (Delwin), Emily Norville, Steven Drake, Steven Cooper and girlfriend Lily, Brandon Drake and girlfriend Ashley, and Kevin Drake. He was also blessed with 11 great grandchildren, Keriann, Emari, Rose, Gabriel, Oliver, Logan, Keith, Ryker, Gage, Peyton, and Wyatt.

He retired from Glenoit Mills with 31 years of service. Rev. Sherwood then began his journey in ministry and obtained his minister’s license. He began his pastoral journey at Merritt’s Chapel PH Church where he served for 6.5 years. He then pastored Carson Memorial PH Church in Greenville, NC for 16.5 years, where he retired in 2007. Between these two pastoral assignments, he also served at Brentwood PH Church where he began their youth ministry. After retiring in 2007 he continued his calling by serving in many roles at the Tarboro First PH Church, and many other churches that would call on him. Though he retired many years ago, we are so thankful for the many families we have encountered through the ministry and still consider them our extended family.

Outside of being a minister and sharing the love of Jesus, Rev. Sherwood also enjoyed fishing, swimming, and taking trips to the mountains with his family.

We would like to say thank you to everyone who has prayed or helped in any way. We would also like to extend a special thank you to James Hart and all the staff who assisted in taking care of Rev. Sherwood while at Tarboro Health and Rehab.