Cheri O'Neill

Cheryl “Cheri” Smallenberger O'Neill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. Born on June 20, 1946, in Springfield, Ohio, Cheri lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and joy.

Cheri is survived by her devoted husband, Robert W. O'Neill; her loving daughters, Staci Gullman (Ted, predeceased) and Cynthia Miller (Brad); and her cherished grandchildren, Meghan Fauss (Kyle), Courtney Gullman, Kelsey Thayer (Ryan), Joshua Miller (Nicole), Hannah Johnson (Alex). She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Jackson, Cameron, Sammie, Teddy, and Sophia and her two cats, CeeJay and Miss Kate. Cheri was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Gladys Heinzen; her siblings, Stephen and Richard Heinzen; and her son-in-law, Ted Gullman IV.

As a passionate and dedicated professional, Cheri’s career included roles as an LPN, staff member for Mayor Jake Godbold, Deputy Press Aide under Tommy Hazouri's administration, and Executive Vice President of the Gator Bowl Association for 25 years. Her commitment to public service and community made a significant impact. As a woman in sports, she paved the way for others. We recall many stories where she said she would be the only woman in the room. The best example of this is when she went to Tallahassee to invite FSU to the Gator Bowl for Bobby Bowden’s last game. When they arrived, the representatives of the Gator Bowl were told he was coaching from his tower so Cheri climbed up with the rest of the committee and when she arrived at the top, she was told by FSU coaching staff that no woman has ever been in Coach Bowden’s tower, not even Ann. She was well respected in her profession and beloved by all the press that she interacted with.

Cheri’s compassion extended beyond her professional capacity; she was involved in two medical missions in Honduras and would have continued if not for COVID.

Outside of her professional and charitable achievements, Cheri was known for her vibrant personality and love for life. She enjoyed playing tennis, writing, reading, traveling, boating, and "sunbaking." Her greatest joy, however, came from spending time with her family and creating cherished memories that will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to The American Cancer Society or St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

Cheri will best be remembered being the matriarch of her “Amazing” family (her words). She was a loving and wonderful Mom, Grandma, and Gma.

A Celebration of Life for Cheri will be held on Thursday, September 5, 2024 beginning at 5 PM until 7 PM at Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32223 with words of remembrance at 6pm. A memorial mass will occur on Friday, September 6, 2024 at 10 AM at St Joseph's Historic Catholic Church, 4214 Loretto Road, Jacksonville, FL 32258.

Please feel free to leave an online condolence for the family.