Obituary of Jean McGill

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 McGill 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 thirty-five 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. In lieu of flowers, contributions to the American Cancer Society will be appreciated.