July 23, 2012

• Obituary

  
     

  Jean B. McGill

   

  BY Staff Reports Sunday, July 22, 2012 7/22/2012 5:42:56 AM

   

  June 15, 1941 – July 20, 2012 Born June 15, 1941
  in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, Jean McGill was a life-long Oklahoman even
  though she spent much of her career traveling outside of the state. Jean
  was the second of two children born to William C. Bonney and Wilma
  Grace Bonney. Jean graduated from Classen High School in Oklahoma City
  and the University of Oklahoma, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree
  in Business Management. Jean married William Noble following graduation
  and they had two children: Susie Noble McRight and Scott Allen Noble.
  The couple settled in Tulsa, Oklahoma, bought Builders’ Steel Company in
  1974, and built it into a successful steel fabrication company. Jean
  married Jim Mc- Gill in 1992 and they collectively claim four children
  and eleven grandchildren. Jean survived breast cancer at a young age and
  turned her attention to the search for a cure for cancer, which was a
  focused effort for the rest of her life. Serving over thirtyfive years
  as a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, she was granted an
  Honorary Life Membership in 2011, one of the highest awards of the
  Society. Jean traveled throughout North America and Europe speaking
  about cancer prevention, including keynote presentations at meetings in
  England, Norway, Portugal, Spain and Italy. She rose to the position of
  Treasurer of the American Cancer Society where she was responsible for
  the investment of over $1 billion of reserve funds and oversaw a
  reorganization of the Society necessary to comply with the latest in
  accounting regulations. Jean’s focus on health issues also attracted her
  to advocate against the use of tobacco; she lobbied both the State of
  Oklahoma and the United States Congress as a forceful opponent of
  tobacco, assuming a leadership role in the fight to outlaw smoking on
  airplanes. She also assumed leadership roles in the Tulsa community with
  regard to health issues, particularly women’s health issues, with
  service on the Hillcrest Healthcare System Board of Directors, including
  service as Chairman of the Board, Morningside Foundation including
  service as Chairman of the Board, and the Tulsa Community Foundation
  where she served as Secretary and Treasurer. And she has over ten years
  of service on the Oklahoma Capital Investment Board, which has oversight
  responsibility for over $100 million of State funds. Jean was chosen to
  receive the City of Tulsa Hall of Fame Award in 2012 which will be
  presented posthumously on October 3, 2012. Beyond Jean’s numerous
  accolades and contributions to the community, she will be remembered for
  her beautiful smile, sparkling eyes, and sunny disposition; a woman who
  could ski the double blacks and hike the Continental Divide, Jean also
  was the most gracious of hostesses, quick to make everyone feel welcome
  and comfortable, quick to laugh and enjoy the company of friends.
  Whether playing or visiting with a grandchild or presiding in the
  boardroom, Jean’s love of people always made her shine. She will be
  greatly missed. Jean is survived by her husband, Jim McGill, her brother
  Bill Bonney, four children and eleven grandchildren. A memorial service
  will be held at Tulsa University Sharp Chapel 2:00 PM Wednesday, July
  25, 2012. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer
  Society will be appreciated. Ninde Brookside Chapel 918-742-5556
  www.ninde.com  This obituary was published in the Tulsa World on
  7/22/2012.
      
      
     

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