A native of Ocracoke, she was the daughter of the late Elisha Ballance and Emma Gaskins. Lorena was a homemaker and a member of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church and the Ocracoke Methodist Women’s Society. She volunteered for the local school and church for many years. She enjoyed spending time with her three grandsons, whom she loved with all her heart.

Lorena is survived by a daughter, Lisa Caswell and her husband, Bill; and three grandchildren, Aaron, Evin and Liam. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Morris O’Neal; and eight siblings, Elsie Garrish, William Ballance, Elisha Ballance, Henry Ballance, Lawrence Ballance, Maurice Ballance, Reginald Ballance, and Clare Ballance.

A funeral will be held at 1:00 pm on Thursday, January 28, 2016 at Ocracoke United Methodist Church with Rev. Richard Bryant officiating. Private burial will take place at the Ballance family cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Ocracoke United Methodist Church, Box 278, Ocracoke, NC 27960.

Twiford Funeral Home, Hatteras is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed at www.twifordfh.com.