Jessie Gene O'Neal Sr.

Jessie Gene O’Neal Sr. 73, of Centralia, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2019 at Doctor’s Nursing and Rehab in Salem, IL. Jessie was born October 14, 1945, the son of Rufus O’Neal and Mattie (Chamberlain) O’Neal. He married Rubbie Williams in 1963 and they later divorced. He married Mildred “Millie” Hutchison in 1993 and she survives him in Centralia. Jessie is survived by his wife: Millie O’Neal of Centralia; two sons: Jessie O’Neal Jr. of Centralia, and Matthew Mitchell of Carlyle; six daughters: Thelma Wooters and husband Roland “Patrick” of Centralia, Wainatta “Jaunita” Jackson of Charleston, Brenda O’Neal of Centralia, Kimberly Young and husband Tyrone of Sparta, Brandi Perez and husband Alexander of Colorado, and Colleen McClain and husband Jelani of Centralia; nineteen grandchildren; eight great grandchildren; two brothers: Curtis O’Neal, and Nathaniel O’Neal; two sisters: Nanny Mary Amos and Dorothy O’Neal; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jessie was preceded in death by his parents: Rufus and Mattie O’Neal; one son: Kerwin O’Neal; one granddaughter: Tawatha “WaWa” Wooters; and one grandson: Josh Young; two brothers: John Gene Willis, and Eddie Willis; one sister: Ann Sue Caldwell. Jessie was known for being a handy man. If something was not working, he could take it apart and put it back together as if there was never anything wrong. He took pride in his hobbies, working on lawnmowers, making things look new again with spray paint, and working on trinkets. He was a very good story teller. Anyone that knew him, he could light up any room. Most of all, Jessie enjoyed spending time with his family and friends. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, May 18, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. Visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to the time of service on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, IL 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the O’Neal family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com.

Jessie Gene O'Neal Sr.

October 14, 1945 - April 25, 2019