Melody O'Neal

Melody Ann O’Neal, 71, of Flossmoor, Illinois, passed away while surrounded by her loving
family on March 11, 2025. Melody was preceded in death by: her mother Marilyn Gentry, father
Thomas Gentry, grandmother Ann Beaupre Williams, and grandfather Elton Williams and is
survived by her daughter Kim, son-in-law Mitchell, her grandchildren Khari, Ianna, Kahlil and her
siblings Michael, Michelle, Thomas, and Merritt.

She was born in Harvey, IL on September 7, 1953. As the eldest daughter, Melody was a
natural born leader amongst her friends and families. From a young age, she aided in the
rearing of her younger siblings and proved to be not only an amazing leader, but also a stellar
caretaker.

Continuing the legacy of her mother and grandmother, Melody pursued a career in healthcare
by becoming a Registered Nurse (RN). She received her Associates degree in nursing from
South Suburban College. While she was an exceptional nurse, Melody strived for more
professional accolades. In addition to her nursing degree, she holds a Bachelor of Health
Administration (BHA) from Governors State University and a Master of Jurisprudence (MJ) in
Health Law from Loyola University School of Law. During her time at Loyola, she authored
publications including The Law and Education of Technology-Dependent Children in the Least
Restrictive Environment - 2002 and Pediatric Resource Manual for Families with Special Needs
Children - 1998. With her combined nursing experience in pediatric homecare and higher
educational training, Melody launched an incredible career path in healthcare. She devoted a
majority of her career to caring for medically complex disabled children and adults. In 1988, she
carved out her own space in the healthcare field founding her own high-tech pediatric home
care agency called Melmedica Children’s Healthcare, Inc where she served as Chief Executive
Officer (CEO) and Chairman of the Board for twelve years. Under her leadership, Melmedica
became an established leader in pediatric home care with revenues of over $12 million annually
and a professional staff of over 350.

Melody received several accolades for hard work in the healthcare field. She received the
prestigious “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year Award” from Merrill Lynch, Ernst & Young and
Inc. Magazines. She also was inducted into the “Entrepreneurship Hall of Fame”. In addition,
Melmedica was featured on Inc. Magazines’ list of America’s 500 fastest growing private
companies.

Melody’s professional achievements were only a mere reflection of her spectacular character.
She was a bright, diligent, focused, and kind-hearted person who inspired her family, friends,
peers and employees throughout her life. She had the utmost integrity and unwavering
principles. Her commitment to her patients reflected her advocacy and dedication to disabled
individuals.

Melody or “Me-Me”, as her grandchildren affectionately called her, was a devoted mother, sister
and grandmother. Her favorite holiday was Christmas, which was reflected in the many years of
hosting a Christmas Eve gathering at her house every year. She hosted other wonderful family
gatherings, including Easter, where she filled plastic eggs with coins and hid them all around her
house for her grandchildren to find during their childhood. She was a traveler, as reflected in her
heavily stamped passport pages and the many vacations she encouraged her family to attend
together. She insisted on creating memories through holidays, birthday celebrations, or even
swinging by on a Saturday afternoon just to say “hi”. Family was of the utmost importance to
Melody which is felt deeply by her loved ones.

Visitation Saturday, April 5, 2025 from 1-3 PM with a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 PM at Colonial Chapel, 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400