Perry Sue O'Neal

Perry Sue O'Neal, age 98, passed away peacefully at her home in Tampa on Monday, May 11, 2026, with family members at her bedside. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

Sue was born on November 11, 1927, in Perry, Florida. She was preceded in death by her parents, Eulee P. Lee and Stanley Sylvester Lee, and by her beloved brother and sister, Jack Eldon Fowler and Tommy Lee Cone.

Particularly proud of her pioneer Florida ancestry, Sue graduated from Taylor County High School and helped pave the way for gender equality in Florida when, in 1949, she became one of the first women to earn a four-year degree from the University of Florida. She was a founding member of the university’s Zeta Tau Alpha chapter and a lifelong supporter of Florida Gators football and basketball. She later earned her master’s degree from the University of South Florida.

Sue deeply revered her great-grandfather, who was a key member of the committee that revised the Florida State Constitution in the mid-1800s.

An elementary school teacher by profession, Sue dedicated her working life to the children of Florida’s public schools. She especially enjoyed teaching first grade, often explaining, “It warms your heart to see a young child’s eyes light up as you are teaching them to read.” Her passion for teaching, and reading in particular, led her to teach at several schools throughout her career, including Nettie Basden in Live Oak; Elbert in Winter Haven; and Citrus Park and Miles Elementary in Tampa.

Decades after her retirement, Sue was often approached by former students who wanted her to meet their children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren. In her later years, she found great fulfillment teaching adults to read and write. In 2012, she was honored as the Hillsborough Literacy Council’s Volunteer of the Year. On another occasion, former Florida Governor and U.S. Senator Bob Graham personally thanked Sue for her “lifetime of service to the young people of Florida.”

An avid outdoor enthusiast, Sue enjoyed hiking the trails of our nation’s state and national parks, canoeing Florida’s rivers and spring runs, bicycling, and swimming well into her nineties.

The O’Neal family extends its heartfelt appreciation to the LifePath Hospice Pink Team, especially Carol, Kay, and Janice. The family also expresses sincere gratitude to Kwame and Bibi for their assistance and care during this time.

Perry Sue O’Neal was a devoted wife, mother, sister, friend, teacher, and supportive confidante who made everyone feel loved. She enriched the lives of all who had the good fortune to know her throughout life’s journey.

She is survived by her husband of 67 years, Charles Jr.; her two sons, Charles III (Patricia) and Stanley Lee (Lily); her grandchildren, Erin, Morgan, Kynan, and Charlee Jade; and five great-grandchildren. She will also be deeply missed by her nieces, nephews, and many dear friends.

Services are being planned for a later date and will be updated once complete.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to a charity of the donor's choice in memory of Sue.  Arrangements have been entrusted to Florida Mortuary Funeral and Cremation Services, Tampa.