June 20, 1946 – August 30, 2024
Cheryl “Cheri” Smallenberger O’Neill, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on August 30, 2024, in Jacksonville. Born on June 20, 1946, in Springfield, Ohio, Cheri lived a life marked by compassion, dedication, and joy.
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. When she went to Tallahassee to invite FSU to the Gator Bowl for Bobby Bowden’s last game. When they arrived, she was told by FSU coaching staff that no woman had ever been in Coach Bowden’s tower before. She was well respected in her profession and beloved by all the press with whom she interacted.
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 and boating. 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.
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) and 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.
