Essie Marie O’Neal was born on September 24, 1948, to Virginia Steward and John Glover. She attended Cleveland Public Schools and Cuyahoga Community College. Essie worked as a phlebotomist for many years at Metro Health Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Her true passion was as an entrepreneur, owning and operating the Art of Boutique, where she perfected her skills as a nail technician and excelled in fashion, jewelry design, and fragrances.

Essie enjoyed playing cards with family, going to the casino, bowling, and shopping. One of her most remarkable qualities was her innate ability to connect with everyone she encountered. She never met a stranger, always greeting new faces with warmth and genuine interest. Her openness fostered a sense of belonging, making others feel instantly at ease in her presence. She also had a great love for sweets.

On May 16, 1989, Essie married Morris O’Neal, sharing a marriage filled with love, friendship, laughter, and devotion. They spent many hours enjoying their common interest in all sports.

Essie was a loving mother to her only son, Ricardo L. Hugley, who preceded her in death. She was also a stepmother to Andre O’Neal, Rhonda Andrew West (Larry), Yvonne Conwell (Kevin) and Valerie Smith. She was the grandmother to nine: Shannon Saks, Colin Andrew, Kevin Conwell Jr., Jessica Andrew-Szuch, Krystle Conwell, Krystina Conwell, Lucus O’Neal, Richard Lynn and Eric Lynn. Essie was also a great-grandmother to seventeen and the great-great-grandmother of five.

Essie is preceded in death by her mother, Virginia Steward; father, John Glover; brothers, David Glover, John Glover, and Alonzo Glover; and sisters, Marion Wells, Thelma Matthews, Virginia Fortson, Johnnie Mae Glover, Amy Perry, and Lucille Glover.

Essie leaves behind her spirit and love to be carried on by her husband, Morris O’Neal, her stepchildren, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and treasured friends. Her smile and laugh will live in their hearts forever.