Rosa Lee McNeill, 90, passed on Sunday, June 6, 2021, at her home. Rosie was born to Ollie and Mary Simmons in 1931 and was raised in Perry, Florida. Losing her mother in 1944, Rosie finished high school and relocated to Jacksonville where she worked to support herself and shared an apartment with her sister Josephine.
She met Charles Everett McNeill on a blind date; they married in 1949 eventually raising three children. Always living near the beaches, Everett and Rosie owned a paint and flooring store in Atlantic Beach and ultimately formed McNeill and Sons, Flooring, Inc., specializing in hard wood installation. Rosie was the office manager and bookkeeper extraordinaire.
Everett and Rosie loved raising horses. She competed in Western Pleasure and English Dressage competitions. In addition to her love for horses and competing in 5K running events, Rosie baked wedding cakes for family and friends always carrying the cakes herself so that if one was dropped, it was her fault alone. She dedicated herself to her family and especially her grandchildren driving them to their many appointments and cheering at their sporting events and performances.
Rosie’s church family was also a priority. She enjoyed playing music, especially the piano, and even taught herself to play the guitar. Rosie generously shared her passion for music and horses often giving lessons for free. Known as Granny to many, no one left her house feeling hungry or alone.
She is predeceased by four brothers and her beloved husband of 65 years, Everett, and her beloved grandson Joshua. Rosie is survived by her three children—Charlie, Marshall, and Karen; along with her grandchildren—Martha, Ashlee, Marina, and Mak; and many friends and extended family members.
There was a visitation and viewing held 2:00 p.m. Friday, June 11, at Beaches Chapel by Hardage-Giddens, Jacksonville Beach. The funeral service followed at 3:00 p.m. On Monday, June 14, she was resting with The Lord at New Hope Cemetery in Alma, Georgia, next to her loving husband Everett.
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