Jeanette Allen O'Neal

A private family graveside service will be held by the family for Jeanette Allen O’Neal, 81, of Rockwall, Texas.

Jeanette Allen O’Neal was born August 24, 1943, in Alice, Texas, the daughter of Algie Lee Allen and Arminda Lois (McConkey) Allen. She passed from this life peacefully on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, at the family’s ranch near Rush Springs, Oklahoma.

Jeanette attended elementary and middle school in Alice, Texas, and graduated from W.B. Ray High School in Corpus Christi in 1961. She graduated with her Bachelor’s degree from Texas A & I University and then went on to earn her Master’s from East Texas State University.

On December 22, 1962, she married the love of her life, John Robert O’Neal, in Kingsville, Texas and they shared 62 years of life, love and memories. The love they had for one another is a living legacy.

They had two beautiful daughters, Jennifer and Shannon, and when the girls got to be school-aged, she started her career as a Kindergarten teacher for Frazier Elementary in Dallas ISD and then taught Math at Coyle Middle School in Garland ISD. She served as Assistant Principal at Kimberlin Academy and then went to Centerville Elementary as Principal for 6 years. She went on to establish a legacy as Principal at Routh Roach Elementary in Garland ISD for 26 years and formed a very close bond with her teachers and students. She especially loved the opportunity to be her grandson, John-Charles’ principal, enjoying daily commutes together swapping stories along the way. She had a passion for education and a life calling to make a difference in children’s lives. Over the years, as needs would arise for her students, her generous spirit would shine forth beyond leading exemplary academic programs to provide those in need with clothes, glasses and dental care. The impact she made will live on for generations to come. Under Jeanette’s leadership, Routh Roach Elementary was named a National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education twice and a tradition of academic excellence was established. The school received Exemplary ratings fifteen times and was recognized three times by the Texas Education Agency with distinctions. A testament to what can be accomplished when there is a collective belief in every child’s potential.

Jeanette had a love for gardening and caring for plants. Her most recent masterpiece being her granddaughter, Autumn’s flower bed. She would garden for family and friends, even caring for plants in public areas needing attention. She enjoyed cooking and sewing and taught her granddaughter Brianna how to sew. As a master seamstress, she made all of the bridesmaid’s dresses for her daughter's wedding and delighted in sewing costumes for Routh Roach Elementary School’s performances. She cared deeply about honoring the people and stories of the past. Her grandson, Ben, a historian, often partnered with her to ensure that the period garments she lovingly crafted for his Living History presentations reflected both the spirit and the details of the time.

Jeanette was a true blessing—an incredible “Nana” and a gracious, admirable woman in every way. With her love of education, it was important for her to see all of her grandchildren graduate college and she did. Jeanette loved the Bible, loved reading the Bible daily, and with her kindness, generosity and caring for others, she was a witness like no other.

Jeanette cherished time together as a family at the lake house and ranch. She attended to every detail for every gathering which created memories that brought a smile and immense joy to all. She loved to hear her grandson, Mark’s fishing and hunting stories and reports of his flyovers over the lake during his flight training. Her goal of growing a close, tightly knit family with deep bonds will continue to be celebrated for years to come.

She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister Barbara McMurray, and a brother James Allen.

She leaves a legacy of love in the hearts of husband John; daughters and sons-in-law Jennifer and Michael Beckman of Fort Worth, Texas and Shannon and James Terry of Rockwall, Texas; sister Charlotte Van Zante of Granbury, Texas; grandchildren and their spouses Autumn and Riley Weidenbach, Brianna and Chandler Nutt, John-Charles and Skylar Terry, Ben Beckman, and Mark Beckman; great-grandchildren Clara Weidenbach and Henry Nutt; and other extended family and friends.

Jeanette will be buried on the family’s ranch, surrounded by her loved ones. The burial arrangements are under the direction of Ferguson Funeral Home.