Obituary: CAROLE MILTON O’NEIL

Carole Ann Milton O’Neil passed away peacefully on February 27, 2023 in Gibson House at Hospice of Rockingham County after a courageous battle with ALS.

Carole was born on April 1, 1941 in Tallahassee, FL to Herbert Clifton Milton (“Cliff”), a WWII veteran and commercial airline pilot, and Dorothy Trimble Milton (“Dottie”), a homemaker.  She was the oldest of 3 sisters. Having been born in an era when women typically did not attend medical school, Carole instead earned a B.S. in Physical Therapy from the University of Oklahoma in 1962.  She married in 1963 in Atlanta, GA and the couple’s two children were born in 1964 and 1966.  The family enjoyed husband Tom’s elaborate cooking, traveling the world together, and entertaining friends at their home. From 1973-83, Carole served as Director of the Physical Therapy departments at the Orthopedic Hospital of Charlotte and later at Mercy Hospital.  She served on the Board of Directors for the North Carolina Physical Therapy Association from 1975-82. Carole was a strong believer in physical, mental and emotional quality of life.  Ahead of her time as a woman, wife and mother, she became a licensed and well-respected professional in the newly-emerging field of Physical Therapy in 1962.  She especially treasured her in-home work with pediatric patients. Carole began losing her eyesight in the late 1970’s.  By the mid-1980’s, her vision had deteriorated to the point she was no longer able to drive or chart for patients, so she was forced to leave her beloved career in physical therapy.  In 1991, at the age of 50, she graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Master’s degree in Community Counseling.  She worked in the counseling field until being called to the ministry. Despite having been legally blind for years, Carole entered the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX.  She graduated with her M.Div. in 2003 at the age of 62.  In late 2010 she retired from her work as a hospital chaplain for Christus Spohn Hospital in Corpus Christi, TX. Carole relocated to Reidsville, NC in early 2011 due to her desire to be an active part of her grandchildren’s lives.  A commissioned pastor in the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, she blessed each of her three grandchildren by baptizing them herself. While in elementary school, oldest grandchildren Avery and Ella rode the school bus to her house every afternoon to enjoy a snack, homework help, good books, quiet time, and Nana’s encouragement and listening ear.  Carole was truly a lifelong learner, teacher, and compassionate caregiver. Carole had a deep love for reading (and later, audiobooks).  Before her health declined, she enjoyed traveling, gardening, being a part of ladies circle group “Norma’s Morning Glories,” and teaching Sunday School.

In addition to her parents, Carole was predeceased by former husband William T. O’Neil (“Tom”) in 1999 and younger child James Elliott O’Neil (“Jamie”) in 2022. 

She is survived by sisters Sandy M. Kimbrough of California and Linda M. Jellen (Larry) of Hawaii; her son, William T. O’Neil, Jr. (Mara) and grandchildren Avery, Ella, and Thomas O’Neil of Reidsville, NC; dear friend B.G. Ritts also of Reidsville; and a number of nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews across the country.

The family will be at Citty Funeral Home for visitation on Fri., March 3 from 6-8 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on Sat., March 4 at 3:00 p.m. at Woodmont UMC with Pastor Christi Taylor officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Woodmont United Methodist Church, 1926 Richardson Dr., Reidsville, NC  27320 for meals for the hungry or to Hospice of Rockingham County, P.O. Box 281, Wentworth, NC  27375 for uninsured/underinsured patient care.

Citty Funeral Home is assisting the O’Neil family. Online condolences may be sent to cittyfh.com

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