Anne Elizabeth O'Neill McGintis
Anne Elizabeth O'Neill McGintis was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on January 31, 1950, to Alfredo and Elizabeth Harrison O'Neill.
Anne was married to her devoted husband, Jimmy L. McGintis, for 47 years. She was the beloved mother of Jennifer Elizabeth McGintis Duckworth, a loving daughter whom she considered a "Gift of God." Jennifer is the devoted wife of Jeremy Duckworth, whom Mrs. McGintis cherished as a gracious and caring son-in-law. Mrs. McGintis was also the proud grandmother of three wonderful grandchildren: Alexander, Carleigh , and Phoenix Duckworth of Birmingham, Al. Her dearest cousin, Patricia Harrison Cox, and her loving niece, Tracycee Cox, both of Chicago, held a special place in her heart. She was also close to her sister-in-law, Mrs. Linda (Larry) Wheeler of Savannah, GA, and Rev. Michael (Jacqueline) McGintis of Kensington, GA. Mrs. Wilma Gene Boykin (Eddie) LeSure of Chattanooga, TN, was a beloved friend and sorority sister of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.
Anne McGintis graduated from Riverside High School in 1967 and went on to attend Lane College in Jackson, Tn., where she earned her B.S. degree in 1971. That summer, she was hired by the National Chattanooga/Chickamauga Park Service as a seasonal park ranger. In the fall of 1971, she began her career as a middle school teacher. After a decade, Mrs. McGintis transitioned to Brainerd High School, where she taught American History, and later served as a school counselor at Howard High School and Chattanooga High School.
Her career saw a significant milestone when she became the first Director of the Family Resource Center in Tennessee. Her exceptional leadership was recognized nationally, and she was appointed by then-Vice President Al Gore to serve on a National Educational Board. She also served on the National Family Reunion Board, chaired by Vice President Gore, where she contributed to educational initiatives in São Paulo, Brazil, Hawaii, and Canada. After her impressive educational engagements, Mrs. McGintis retired from the Hamilton County School District.
However, her dedication to education did not stop there. She accepted the position of Dean of Students at Chattanooga College and served for 10 years before retiring.
Mrs. McGintis was a devoted member of First Baptist Church of East 8th Street for more than 72 years, where she served in numerous leadership roles. These included Program Director of the Deaconess Board, Co-Director of the City-wide Girls Day Program, and Director of the Youth Fellowship Board. She was also a member of the Senior Choir for over 40 years and wrote grants for the nationally recognized "Lights On" Student Community Program in partnership with eight other churches.
In addition, Mrs. McGintis was active in the Chattanooga Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, where she co-chaired the National Membership Service Committee. She also served as Chair of the AARP Program for the Chattanooga Chapter of The Links, Inc., and was a member of the Chattanooga Choral Society for African American Song.
Her leadership extended to her involvement in numerous community organizations, including serving as a board member for Ballet Tennessee, the Community Foundation, and various committees at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Mrs. McGintis was appointed by Vice President Al Gore to serve on the National Family Reunion Board, which hosted conferences in Nashville. She was also invited by Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, to make national and international presentations on community involvement and adult education.
After her many contributions to the community and her service as Dean of Students at Chattanooga College, Mrs. McGintis retired to spend time with her husband of more than 45 years and her beloved grandchildren.
Special thanks are extended to Mrs. Mildred Geeter, Mrs. Yvonne Beard, Mrs. Betty Johnson, Mrs. Ollie Reed, Attorney Kathy Grant Willis, Mrs. Bonnie Marsh, Dr. John Stone, Mr. Eddie LeSure, Vice Fire Chief Marcus Rice, Rev. Dr. William Terry Ladd III, Mr. LaMonte Vaughn, Sr., Mr. Frederick Marsh, Mr. Walter Beard ,Sr., Mr. Glenn Chambers, and many community neighbors and loving friends.
Public viewing will begin at 11 a.m. until the start of the funeral service at noon, Thursday, Oct. 10, at First Baptist Church, 506 East Eighth Street.
Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., Chattanooga, 423 622-9995.