“Deep in the heart of Dixie, early on one frosty morn” -- December 18, 1917, Louise Jackson was born in the same humble farmhouse as her three brothers. It was on the same land where her great-grandfather, grandfather, and her father were born -- in rural, Oglethorpe County, Georgia. The closest town -- you pick it – Hutchins, Stevens, or Maxeys. Her parents, Olin and May Jackson, were farmers who made their living off that very land. She was the “baby girl” with three older brothers, Joe, Emmett, and James, who all preceded her in death. In 1924, at the age of seven, Louise joined Center United Methodist Church, established in 1820, in Stevens, Georgia. When Louise graduated from Maxeys High School in 1934, she was the only member of her senior class. She always joked that she was the president, vice president, secretary, and valedictorian. Louise’s first husband, Guy Williams, died in 1940, while she was still in the hospital with their newborn daughter, Elizabeth. After moving to Atlanta, on March 3, 1945, she married John B. O’Neal. They had two sons, John Jr. and Bob. John Sr. died in 1988, after 43 years of marriage. Louise was a true “Southern Belle” -- a member of the “Greatest Generation” -- a strong woman ahead of her time -- a twenty-first century woman in the 1940’s. She was an active member of Martha Brown United Methodist Church in East Atlanta for 57 years. She retired from the Georgia State Labor Department in 1978. On February 28, 2009, at 11:29 p.m., Louise died in the arms of her sons on a “Rainy Night in Georgia”. Louise is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Banks, and husband Max; her sons, John B. O’Neal Jr., (Johnny) and wife, Ginger; Robert O. O’Neal (Bob) and wife Carolyn; three grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. Louise spent the last four years of her life at Amazing Touch Personal Care Home in Tucker, Georgia. Sincere thanks are given to Cornel and Ana Gal, Maria Mosutan, and Christina Raslau for their outstanding and loving care during this time. This family is proof there are angels among us. And, thanks to Cross Roads Hospice, Tucker, Georgia – more angels. A celebration of Louise’s life will be held Saturday, March 7, 2009, 11:00 a.m. in the chapel at A.S. Turner & Sons, Decatur, Georgia, with Reverend, David C. Collins officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests, that in Louise’s memory, donations be made to Martha Brown United Methodist Church, 468 Moreland Ave. S.E., Atlanta, Georgia 30316. A. S. Turner & Sons
