Margaret Josephine O'Neil (Jo) of Gainesville, Florida went to be with her Lord and Savior on the 4th of September, 2013 at the age of 100 surrounded by her family and minister. She was born in St. Louis, Mo. to the late William Warren and Edith Shaw McKee.
She is survived by her daughter, Dr. Peggy O'Neil Henderson, Son-in-law, James Dinkins Henderson II, granddaughter Kelly Henderson (Eric Blevins), granddaughter Erin Henderson, and grandson James D. Henderson, III, great-granddaughters Caroline (8) and Josephine (7) and step-great-grandchildren Cameron (13) and Carsen (9), all of Gainesville, Fl.
She graduated from Edwardsville High School; attended Illinois State University and received her B.S. degree from Shurtleff College and her M.A. degree from Southern Illinois University.
Before moving to Gainesville in 1985, she taught elementary education for 37 years. She attended the First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville where she served as Deacon, Elder, and in many other roles. She attended the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville where she served as Circle 4 moderator, flower chairman, Sanctuary Guild and Secretary of the Presbyterian Women's Council.
In Edwardsville, Mrs. O'Neil served as the president of the American Legion Auxiliary, regent of the Daughters of the American Revolution, president of the Edwardsville Education Association and was a life member of NEA, IEA, and NSDAR.
Jo was active in Delta Kappa Gamma International Society, serving as president of the Beta Eta Chapter, president of Lambda State (Illinois) 1979-1981, on the Insurance Committee of DKG Interna-tional 1982-1984. While president of Lambda State, she established the M. Josephine O'Neil Women in the Arts scholarship which annually awards scholarships to col-lege students in the arts fields. She transferred her DKG membership to Beta Epsilon Chapter in Gainesville. She was also a member of the Cameila Circle of the Women's Garden Club.
Jo's family, many friends and her church family were a very important part of her life.
Jo's life will be celebrated Thursday, September 12, 2013 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville 300 S.W. 2nd Avenue, Gainesville.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First Presby-terian Church of Gainesville, First Presbyterian Church of Edwardsville (237 N. Kansas Street, Edwardsville, IL 62025), or to the M. Josephine O'Neil Women in the Arts scholarship fund (c/o Sharon Binson, 11966 Tresemer Road, Rocoe, IL 61073-7708).
Funeral Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SER-VICES, 311 South Main St., Gainesville, FL. 352-376-5361.
Published in Gainesville Sun from Sept. 8 to Sept. 10, 2013