Chattanooga Community Mourns and Celebrates the Life of Beloved Educator and Leader Anne Elizabeth O’Neill McGintis

Chattanooga Celebrates the Life of Anne Elizabeth O’Neill McGintis

Chattanooga, Tennessee, is in a bittersweet state as the community remembers the remarkable life of Anne Elizabeth O’Neill McGintis, who passed away peacefully. Born on January 31, 1950, Anne’s journey began in this very city, where she was nurtured by her dear parents, Alfredo and Elizabeth Harrison O’Neill. Her love for education, family, and community laid down an inspiring legacy that has touched many hearts.

A Family Woman

Anne was not only a devoted daughter; she was a loving wife to her husband, Jimmy L. McGintis, with whom she shared an admirable 47 years of marriage. Together, they created a beautiful family, centered around their precious daughter, Jennifer Elizabeth McGintis Duckworth. Jennifer, whom Anne cherished as a “Gift of God”, married a kind-hearted man, Jeremy Duckworth, who became like a son to her. The love didn’t stop there; Anne was a proud grandmother to three delightful grandchildren: Alexander, Carleigh, and Phoenix Duckworth.

Aside from her immediate family, Anne maintained close ties with her cousin, Patricia Harrison Cox, and niece, Tracycee Cox, in Chicago. She also shared a loving bond with her sister-in-law, Mrs. Linda Wheeler, and brother-in-law, Rev. Michael McGintis. Along with an extensive family network, her cherished friendships, especially with Mrs. Wilma Gene Boykin LeSure, were pivotal in her life.

A Dedicated Educator

After graduating from Riverside High School in 1967, Anne went on to earn her B.S. degree from Lane College in Jackson, Tennessee, in 1971. Her professional career kicked off with a position as a seasonal park ranger with the National Chattanooga/Chickamauga Park Service that same year. But Anne had a passion for education, leading her to begin teaching middle school.

With a decade of teaching experience under her belt, she made a significant move 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 contributions to education were undeniably groundbreaking; she became the first Director of the Family Resource Center in Tennessee. Her exemplary leadership earned her a spot on a National Educational Board appointed by then-Vice President Al Gore.

Anne’s commitment to educational initiatives transcended borders as she worked on programs in São Paulo, Brazil, Hawaii, and Canada. After retiring from the Hamilton County School District, she devoted another decade to students as Dean of Students at Chattanooga College.

A Community Leader

But Anne’s impact reached far beyond the classroom. She was deeply involved with First Baptist Church of East 8th Street, serving in leadership roles for over 72 years. She headed programs for the Church, including the City-wide Girls Day Program and Youth Fellowship Board, and even co-directed the senior choir for more than 40 years.

Her community involvement extended into other organizations too, including Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Ballet Tennessee, and the Community Foundation. Her dedication earned her multiple appointments from Vice President Gore and Secretary of Education, Richard Riley, signifying her stature in relation to community involvement and adult education. Through her work, she impacted countless lives with her wisdom.

Farewell, Anne

Anne’s life is one full of love, kindness, and dedication. On October 10, a public viewing will be held at First Baptist Church starting at 11 a.m., followed by the funeral service at noon. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Cemetery. Her legacy will surely endure in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her.