Jerzese O'Neal

Jerzese Nashay O’Neal, age 29, of Knoxville, Tennessee, transitioned from this life on January 12, 2026, in Knoxville, TN. She was born on November 1, 1996, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Jerzese was a loving, caring soul who would truly give the shirt off her back to anyone in need. Her heart for others, generosity of spirit, and quiet strength touched all who knew her. She lived her life with compassion, loyalty, and love, always placing family and those she cared for at the center of her world.

She was a devoted partner to Desirea McWilson and lovingly embraced Jahniy’Rianna and Au’Sean McWilson as her own children, pouring into them with unwavering love and support.

Jerzese was employed as a Contract Janitor at the Y-12 National Security Complex, where she was known for her dedication and strong work ethic. She was also a faithful member of Word to Life Out Reach Church, where she found strength, fellowship, and spiritual grounding.

She is survived by her loving parents, Sylvia Shenea Washington and Ralph Thurston O’Neal III; her grandparents, Christine Washington and E. Joyce Roddy-Strickland (Joseph); her devoted partner, Desirea McWilson; and a large, loving family.

She is also survived by her brothers: Michael Agyemang Jr., Ralph O’Neal IV, Vontavious O’Neal, Deyonte Shannon, Raylin O’Neal, Austin O’Neal, Ezekiel Franklin, and Christian O’Neal; and her sisters: Amya McKamey, Ashanti Agyemang, Anniessa Welch, Nevaeh O’Neal, Montiqua O’Neal, Tyshaia O’Neal, La’mya O’Neal, Deann O’Neal, and Sarah Franklin, along with a host of extended family and dear friends.

Jerzese was preceded in death by her grandfathers, Bobby J. Washington and Ralph T. O’Neal Jr., and her cousins, Tommy Morrell III, Christina Chandler, CJ Brawner, and Mikayla Scruggs.

Services will be held at Mt. Sinai Baptist Church, Clinton, Tennessee, on January 23, 2026.

• Private Family Viewing: 11:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

• Public Visitation: 11:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

• Celebration of Life: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Interment will follow services at Sunset Cemetery, Clinton, Tennessee.

Arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan and Son Mortuary.

Family Thank You Message

The family of Jerzese Nashay O’Neal would like to express their sincere gratitude to all relatives, friends, church family, and loved ones for the outpouring of love, prayers, support, and kindness shown during this difficult time. Your presence, comforting words, calls, visits, and every act of service have meant more than words can express. Thank you to everyone who helped with arrangements and preparations, and to those who continue to lift our family in prayer. May God bless each of you for your compassion and love.