BIOGRAPHY

McNeil was born in Turney, Clinton County, Missouri, USA, on 25 August 1900, to parents William T. Park (1872–1961) and Vinnie A. Wilholt (1875–1955). She had at least three sisters: Vida (1902–1910), Vona Margaret (1911–1930), and Rosalie. When she was 9 years old, the family moved to a farm 5 miles southwest of Mulhall, Oklahoma, in November of 1909. Within two months of their arrival, she lost her sister, Vida. Consequently, she became a Christian at the age of 10, being baptized by Preacher Chamaess in the Cimarron River. She completed elementary school at Stoney Point, one-half mile west of their home. She attended and completed high school in Guthrie and had one semester at Phillips University in Enid. She boarded at home while teaching at a nearby school. Her father provided a horse and buggy for transportation, for a modest fee.

On 20 June 1920, at the age of 19, she married Morris Allen McNeil (1897–1969). The couple had six children: Bonnie Ruby Lasater (1922–2005), Maurice Allen “Mac” McNeil (1923–2018), Bessie Marie Burton (1925–2019), Vinnie Beatrice Herrin (1927–2019), Marlin McNeil, and Virgil McNeil.

McNeil passed away in Enid, Garfield County, Oklahoma, USA, on 15 January 2011, at the age of 110 years, 143 days. She was survived by five of her children, 20 grandchildren, 58 great-grandchildren, 96 great-great-grandchildren, and 1 great-great-great-grandchild.

RECOGNITION

At the time of her passing, she was the oldest (known) living person in the U.S. state of Oklahoma. Upon her passing, she was succeeded by Mary Belle McCaleb.

Her age was verified by Jimmy Lindberg, and validated by LongeviQuest on 13 May 2024.

ATTRIBUTION

* “Guthrie woman marks 106 years” – The Oklahoman, 2 September 2006

* “Nannie Zelpha McNeil” – Hayes Funeral Home (Guthrie, Oklahoma)

* Nancy Zelpha Park McNeil – Find A Grave

GALLERY