Monica Rene O'Neal

Monica was born October 17, 1960 at Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas to Bill and Jackie O’Neal. Monica was a wonderful older sister to her two brothers, Steven and Mark. The family grew up on air force bases around the world, finally settling in Niceville, Florida, where Monica attended Okaloosa Walton Junior College before receiving her Associates of Arts Degree from Florida State University. Monica resided in Tallahassee ever since.

Monica loved being around people, was the life of the party, and loved to reminisce with stories about growing up and experiences with friends. She was a wonderful aunt to her three nieces and two nephews and regularly kept up with them, always interested in the latest happenings in their lives. Additionally, Monica formed profound, lasting friendships with a number of “sisters and brothers from another mother”; they were her unofficial family, dear to her and her to them.

Monica was a devoted public servant, working for the State of Florida in the Department of Children and Families. Constantly motivated for the betterment of her co-workers, and the community at large, she was the Union President of the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Local 3037 for Leon County and a longtime Vice-Chair of the Leon County Democratic Executive Committee. She had a wonderful sense of humor and always tried to get a smile or laugh out of whomever she spoke to, but was passionate about social issues and doing what she felt was right and just.

Physically, Monica struggled with health issues that significantly limited her mobility for a number of years, but her vast network of friends helped her remain mobile and engaged. Even when her niece moved to Tallahassee to care for her last year, Monica’s friends continued to provide significant support. Friendship and family brought her great joy and she was tremendously grateful to remain connected to people.

She was surrounded by family and friends in her last days.

Monica would want us all to smile, laugh, be positive, do what is right and bring out the best in each other.

She now walks joyfully with God.