Vera Aline Vanzant Maclin, lovingly known as Aline, passed away peacefully on September 20, 2024, in Chattanooga, Tennessee at the age of 86. She was born on September 18, 1938, in Rossville, Georgia, the only child of her devoted parents Valter Vanburen Vanzant and Jennie Mae Hale Vanzant.
Aline grew up in downtown Chattanooga in the historic Cameron Hill and North Chattanooga neighborhoods. She attended McIntyre and Clara Carpenter elementary schools, Dickinson Jr. High, and graduated from Chattanooga Central High School in 1956. Aline was a majorette and a Champion dancer during her time at CHS, and she remained connected with her classmates as an active member of the reunion committee.
After graduating, Aline pursued her love for baton twirling at Tennessee Technological Institute in Crossville, TN, where she was a majorette and feature twirler in the band under the direction of Dr. WJ Julian. She was elected Secretary of the 1956 Freshman class and was twice first runner-up in the Miss Chattanooga Pageant in 1956 and 1957. Aline also had the unique opportunity to be a Rockette at Radio City Music Hall in the summer of 1958, a role she held briefly before realizing the demanding schedule was not for her.
Known for her dedication to the art of dance, Aline specialized in ballet, baton, jazz, and tap and was a proud member of Dance Masters of America and Dance Educators of America.
In the early 1970s, Aline was the first female co-choreographer of the United States Military Academy's 100th Night Show. From 1975 to 1981, she was the owner and lead instructor at O'Neal Academy of the Dance, with schools in Soddy-Daisy, Dayton, Harrison, Hixson, and South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Aline's commitment to excellence inspired her many talented students throughout her career.
Aline's love of dance was evident throughout her life, but it was her passion for gardening that truly defined her. As a dedicated member of Chattanooga's historic Crestwood Garden Club, Aline served as President for two terms and was a certified Flower Show Judge. Aline's enthusiasm in supporting Chattanooga as the "scenic city of the south" was further showcased by her role as former treasurer for the Chattanooga Council of Garden Clubs. She was always willing to share her knowledge and expertise with those around her.
In addition to her love of gardening, Aline was a member of the Alhambra Lady Shriners Clown unit for many years, bringing joy and laughter to countless ill children.
Aline was preceded in death by her husband, William Foster (Bill) Maclin, Jr., her cherished parents, Valter Vanburen Vanzant and Jennie Mae Hale Vanzant; a half-sister, Olene Vanzant Ashworth, and half-brothers Woodrow Hampton Vanzant, and Alvin Wade Vanzant, who was tragically killed in action on D- Day in Normandy, France in 1944.
Aline is survived by her children John W. O’Neal, II (Lisa) of Peoria, AZ; Rebecca A. O’Neal of Ringgold, GA; Gordon V. “Van” O’Neal (Madeline) of Bristow, VA; and Matthew A. O’Neal of Charles Town, WV. She is also survived by her stepchildren Colleen Maclin Schmitt, Kathleen Maclin Wilkinson, and William F. “Trey” Maclin, III. Aline leaves behind her grandchildren, Gracie, Garrett, Jack, and Ben O’Neal, Justin King, and Bailey Rogers, as well as her Aunt Thelma J. Cox and Nephew Gary Vanzant.
The family will receive friends on Thursday evening September 26 2024, from 5-8 pm at the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN. A private burial with interment in Chattanooga Memorial Park will be held to honor her memory with the Reverend Paul Lasley presiding.
The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the devoted staff of Morning Pointe at Shallowford, Senior Saints Home, and Gentiva Hospice for providing excellent care and support to Aline and her family during her final years.
Arrangements are by the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Crematory, and Florist, 5401 Highway 153, Hixson, TN 37343.
Please share your thoughts and memories at www.chattanooganorthchapel.com
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