Marzilla O'Neal

Marzilla (Hollins) O'Neal, 97, of Freeport, went to be with the Lord, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, June 26, 2018 at Mercy Health Hospital, Rockford. She was born January 2, 1921 in Vaughan, MS. to Lilbert and Mary Willie (Green) Hollins. She married Albert O'Neal on May 19, 1945 in Lexington, MS. She was preceded in death by her parents, four sisters, and five brothers. She accepted Christ and was baptized at an early age and was a faithful member of St. James Christian Methodist Episcopal Church in Freeport, Illinois, where she served on the Stewardess Board for many years. In her early years, she was employed at Burgess Battery and Structo in Freeport. She loved being involved in her children's education and worked with the PTA at Taylor Park School. For many years she volunteered as a Girl Scout Troop Leader. Her family and friends will miss her witty humor and great smile. She leaves to cherish her memory, her husband of 73 years, Albert O'Neal Sr.; children; Melvin O'Neal of Freeport, IL; Helen O'Neal of Surprise, AZ.; Maggie O'Neal, Freeport; Claudien Payne (Kenneth) of Lansing, MI; Mary Brabson (Charles) of Alcoa, TN.; Edith Foster (Basil) of Kansas City, MO; Debra Benton, of Freeport; Albert O'Neal (Jacqueline) of Freeport; Timothy O'Neal (Ramona) of Surprise, AZ; sisters, Elezia Euells and Parthenia Williams of Freeport; brother, Lilbert Hollins Jr. of St. Louis, MO; special friend, Nannie Edison; special daughter, Donna Jackson O'Neal; 15 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren ; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Joint funeral services for Marzilla and her husband Albert will be 11:00 a.m. at St. James C.M.E. Church, Thursday July 5, 2018. Visitation will be 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery. Please sign Marzilla's guestbook at www.burketubbs.com.