Joanne Marie O'Neal

Joanne Marie (Henderson) O'Neal, 48, Macon, died Monday, Oct. 3, 2011, at The Medical Center of Central Georgia in Macon. Joanne O'Neal was born on April 23, 1963, at St. Joseph's Hospital in St. Paul, Minn., the daughter of Richard and Sherri (Maroney) Henderson. Of Lakota descent by her mother, Joanne was raised in St. Paul through age 8 and then in western rural Wisconsin, graduating from St. Croix Central High School in 1981. To two earlier marriages three children were born: Jacqueline, Brandon and Kaitlyn. On July 23, 1993, she was united in marriage to James (Jimmy) W. O'Neal in Macon, Georgia. Joanne will be remembered as a very loving and empathic mother, grandmother, wife and friend who loved family gatherings, camping and raising and caring for both Jack Russell terriers and Papillon dogs. Joanne is survived by her husband, Jimmy O'Neal, Macon; father, Richard Henderson, Sun City West, Ariz.; grandmother, Mary Lucille (Smith) Johnson, Watertown, So. Dak.; daughters, Jacqueline and Kaitlyn, both of Macon; two grandchildren; two brothers; one sister; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends and other loved ones. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sherri Henderson; and son, Brandon Clark. A visitation will be held Wednesday, October 5, at The Cupola on Peak Road in Macon from 6-8pm. A funeral service will be held at 2:00pm on Thursday, October 6, 2011, at Christ Episcopal Church, Macon, GA. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to Christ Episcopal Church of Macon. Friends and family may leave written condolences at www.hartsmort.com. Hart's Mortuary and Crematory at the Cupola has charge of arrangements.