When retired NBA great Shaquille O'Neal was born, his grandmother knew the world would someday know his name. "I'll give him a wink and a smile, and he was playing his game. At birth he weighed 7 pounds, 11 ounces and was nearly 22 inches long. She mortifies her four children by knowing all the trending songs on TikTok. Lucille O'Neal was born into a Christian home in Dublin, GA. She spent her childhood, adolescent years and early adulthood in the Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey. Before every game, Lucille revealed that she would give Shaq a good luck kiss along with a piece of chewing gum as a form of good luck. Harrison is said to have introduced Shaquille to basketball, eventually paving the path toward his stellar career. To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one. Shaq serves a version of it in one of his restaurants. . But despite her high. The Illustrious Lucille O'Neal.Bethune -Cookman's 1st Annual Florence Jackson Tea Party, 2017 pic.twitter.com/wNc1PlHgmJ. Link: https://t.co/QmHvjJdFRt pic.twitter.com/vQJQYEpcyA. After a successful career, Shaq has continued to grow and provide assistance to people who need it the most. LOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille ONeal (R) of the Los Angeles Lakers is Lucille O'Neal is the author of the famous book 'Walk like you have to go somewhere. Her involvement in fundraisers and a wide array of social work has made her a prominent figure. Shaquille ONeal, Tahirah ONeal, Mayes B ONeal, MeArah ONeal, and Amirah ONeal are all NBA players. Mary (Polly) Nicely. He has previously worked with renowned media outlets such as FootTheBall and EssentiallySports. dr. Lucille O'Neal and her son, Shaquille O'Neal. When Shaq would constantly make fun of JaVale McGee in his Shaqtin' A fool segments on TNT, Lucille told him to cut it off. Lucille O'Neal. Your login session has expired. IE 11 is not supported. When Shaunie was falling in love with her ex-husband Shaquille O'Neal, it was a simple crash and genuine love. She relocated to Florida and served as the chief executive officer of SHAQ NETWORK. Genealogy for Lucille O'Neal (Nicely) (1875 - 1924) family tree on Geni, with over 230 million profiles of ancestors and living relatives. We love you all so much and are praying that you can feel the comfort of God's loving arms. She was a very talented seamstress, a good cook, and a gardener especially growing her tomatoes. The Miami Heat are coming off a brilliant series win against the Milwaukee Bucks. Stephen Curry shocked the basketball world by dropping a 50-point bomb against the Sacramento Kings in Game 7 of the FirstSportz is the First Stop for all sports fanatics. Boston will forever be Antoine Walkers home away from home. "Thank you for the blessing, God, thank you for the blessing," she said. After 30 years of raising her children, in 2003, Lucille resumed her studies at Bethune-Cookman University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She is a proud Gen Xer, ENFP, Leo, Diet Coke enthusiast, and champion of the Oxford Comma. I wasn't orderly . Author of Walk Like You Have to Go Somewhere, a well-known book. Lucille is a single mother having four children. Nbafamily Wiki is a FANDOM Lifestyle Community. "It got easier when we banded together as a family," said Lucille, who describes herself as a loving "mother hen" rather than a disciplinarian. The Eastern Conference Semi-Finals are underway. But she spent her childhood and adulthood in the central ward of Newark, New Jersey. in Media and Business Management, Rohit holds a Bachelor's degree in Journalism Contents 1 Biography 2 Business Interests 3 Philanthropy 4 See Also Biography O'Neal was born into a Christian home in Dublin, Georgia. She had her first baby at the age of 18. Thanks to Lucille's support, Shaq made a career out of being the most dominant center in NBA history. Which helped him become who he is today. It's also another proof of the importance of having a mother or a mother figure in life. She divorced her husband Phillip who was from the army base. Which helped him become who he is today. Let your many memories comfort you in your time of sorrow. Her earning source is from her speech in various organizations. for over a year. "That's what it really is.". O'Neal Family, My thoughts and prayers are with you during this most difficult time in your lives, Trust in the God of comfort. Lucille O'Neal was just out of high school when her first son, former NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, was born. We have all of you in our prayers. She practices forgiveness. was the high scorer with 32 points as the Lakers take a 2-0 lead in the series. Valentine (Val) Nicely. They also knew how important a college degree was to their mother. Tickets for Wednesdays 1:30 p.m. luncheon at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center are sold out. Surviving is her loving family, daughter, Peggy (Kenneth) Gallock; granddaughter, Vicki (Mathew) Hogrefe; great-grand-daughter, Paige (Anthony) Peace and great-great-grandson, Gabriel Peace. Her son had a controversy with his teammate Donovan Mitchell after, he commented. ' "There's something special about that one," she told his mom, Lucille. After 30 years of raising her children, O'Neal resumed her studies in an Adult Education Program at Bethune-Cookman University where she graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration (June 2003). It is really an inspirational book for all. When her kids were younger, things were harder because their budget was low and they were "always lacking something," whether it was food, clothes, or transportation. She grew in Germany with her brothers Jamal O' Neal, Shaq O' Neal and a sister Lateefah O' Neal. Loving mother of eight children and Nana to nineteen grandchildren. Source: Instagram Marriage And Children Lucille was married to Philip Harrison. However, as they grow up, they appreciate the importance of being treated that way. Her son convinced her that he needed to move on, but he made her a promise that he would go back and finish. Becoming a mom so young was scary. Born March 6, 1972, to parents Lucille ONeal and Joseph Toney, Shaq was the eldest among his siblings. Butler said he finds it funny now how people are claiming they knew he would become the star he is when he says he didnt even know if he would in the NBA today, Hall of Famer Reggie Miller recently stated NBA history will be kind to L.A. Clippers star Kawhi Leonard due to his championship success, Ben Wallace revealed how being humiliated by Kobe Bryants dunk on him in 1997 made him the legend he is today, Joe Johnson got the chance to finish his career where it began when he signed a 10-day contract with the Boston Celtics. To honor Kobe, Shareef has had a tattoo done on his leg, depicting Kobe, his jersey numbers "8" and "24," and the NBA icon's catchphrase, "Mamba Mentality." Peggy I'm sorry to read of your mothers passing. Lucille was born on December 16, 1918 in Bardwell, Kentucky to Alice and Claude Moyers. She is a doctor and author as well. In 1992, O'Neal and her family moved to Florida where she contributed to the development of the SHAQ NETWORK as the Chief Operations Officer. She made a point, she said, of going to Shaquille's basketball games from the time he began playing at 6 years old until he retired from the NBA in 2011 after 19 years and four league championships. After three years at LSU, Shaq told his mom it was time to go to the next level and join the NBA draft. Her husband, Joseph Toney, wasn . Shaq had told his parents for years that his dream was to play in the NBA, and Lucille made sure her son knew that meant being a student-athlete and endless hours of practice to perfect his game as well as completing his studies. Loving Mother Of Shaquille O'Neal. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider Liberty Baptist Church. Praise the Lord she is in heaven. . Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. After a disagreement with his teammate Donovan Mitchell, her son made a comment. made him cry. Whether chairing fundraising events like Shaqs Mama Said Knock You Out! (an annual premier event featuring a variety of celebrity hosts, including Shaquille ONeal, Charles Barkley and Dennis Scott, to benefit The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund; named in memory of her Mother) or rolling up her sleeves to assist other organizations at the grass roots level, Lucille gives her all for the cause. She spent her childhood, adolescent years and early adulthood in the Central Ward of Newark, New Jersey. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Shaq's Wife's parent's net worth is estimated to be around $35 Million. "We grew up together, Shaquille and I," she told Sheinelle. Recently, HBO Max released the first episode of ONeals four-part documentary, From Shaquille to Shaq. The blockbuster first-round series between the Golden State Warriors and the Sacramento Kings has finally come to an end. She married Shaquille's father, Army drill sergeant Phillip Harrison, when their firstborn was 2 years old. What a wonderful thing to be able to enjoy having her for so many years and to know that you will meet her again someday. Shareef O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal, Tahirah O'Neal, Mayes B O'Neal, Me'Arah O'Neal, Amirah O'Neal. Lucille O'Neal had four children Shaquille, Ayesha, Lateefah and Jamal with Shaq being the oldest. She did, however, spend her childhood and adulthood in Newarks central ward. For more information on the YWCA or to donate, go towww.ywcarochester.org or call (585) 368-2261. It truly depicts a mother's unconditional love and support for a son. Later when she met Army Sergeant Phillip Harrison, the two got married. Those old dreams you let die, if you still hold onto them, they can be resurrected. Lucille ONeal is an author, spokesperson, and philanthropist and is the president of the Mothers of Professional Basketball Players Association. Bertha Ethel O'Neal. When I can do something to help somebody else, that makes me happy.. She knows girls now may feel the same way like "it'sthe end of the world," she says. Images). Shaq's mother, Lucille O'Neal, shared a heartwarming tradition with him before games as she supported her gigantic child throughout his storied 19-year-career. He is my father cause my biological didnt bother. Lucille ONeal talks about the man who helped raise @SHAQ when his biological father left the picture. The LA Lakers legend's mother also authored the book "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" and in her remarks, said: Lucille was recently appointed as a board member of Orlandos Ovarian Cancer Alliance and a member of MD Andersons Council of Governors. The YWCA has been a resource for local women and girls since 1883, serving more than 1,000 women and children annually. congratulated by his father Philip Harrison (L) after the Lakers defeated the She revealed that Shaq did not understand why he often received whooping from his father. Peggy, It has been many years since I saw you and your mom. On June 23, 1934, she married James O'Neal whom she shared her life for 51 years. We think, and speak of, Gaga so often it is as if she is still here. Until today, Lucille continues to support and even give Shaq pieces of advice as he continues to pursue career opportunities post-retirement. Now, the family calls him the "elder" a title she said he embraces. Reviews call it a candid account of enduring and overcoming poverty, rejection, abuse and addiction by using her faith and her own drive to become a strong woman, the one she always hoped to be. At 6 feet 2, she is an oft-recognized figure around Central Florida, where she has lived since her superstar son began playing basketball for the Orlando Magic in 1992. She was yet to marry Shaquille's father and did not know what she was doing at the time. When her kids were grown and didnt need her as much, her transformation began. "I wanted him to stay in school and finish," she told Sheinelle. Later he was drawn into the world of crime, and since coming out of jail, Toney has tried to reform his life. She was so young when she gave birth, but she went through a lot. The tight first-round series ended in heartbreak for the Sacramento Kings. However, very little is known about his humble beginning; which played a pivotal role in making Shaq an NBA superstar and a cultural icon. She reckoned that sometimes it was the only way to get her troubled sons attention. Lucille O'Neal is a motivational speaker as well as president and co-founder. Lucille also admitted that she only saw Shaq's potential in basketball after The McDonald's All American Game in 1989, when Shaq won the MVP. It is a truly inspirational book for everyone. Allison Slater Tate is a freelance writer and editor in Florida specializing in parenting and college admissions. Shaquille ONeal, a famous basketball player, entrepreneur, television host, and many others, is the son of the famous philanthropist ONeal. 1875 1875. daughter. #RaisingFame #WeAreFamily pic.twitter.com/bl8cKLG04F. Draymond Green LOST RESPECT for Domantas Sabonis for being sore loser after Warriors eliminated Kings, Patrick Mahomes HAILS Steph Currys greatness following his epic 50-point showdown in the do-or-die game against the Kings, Worse than the Vietnam war LeBron James and Stephen Curry going to head-to-head has NBA Twitter SCARED, After 3-1 comeback, LeBron James has chance to end another UNBELIEVABLE STREAK against Warriors, This is going to be a short series Heat source believes Knicks NO MATCH for Miami. Lucille ONeal believed that the love and support from Harrison played a very important role in Shaqs journey to making it big in the NBA. One day, as Lucille sat giving baby Shaquille much tender loving care, her grandmother barked, "That ain't no baby!" A strong mother who has always put her kids first and has the family together holds no grudges. . That organization supports mothers whose sons and/or daughters play professional basketball. Shaquille ONeal has certainly understood the importance of being disciplined by his father. In addition, Lucille ONeal said that if things have gone in a different direction, Shaquille ONeal would not have been the same man he is today. She has written this book about the struggle of her own life and the tough times she goes through. In the 21st century, it's not just urns and gravestones anymore. Privacy, Who Is Lucille O'Neal? She was a teen mother with low self-esteem. He is said to be living in Newark, New Jersey. But now, Lucille thinks she knows what her mother was saying. Net Worth: A famous athlete earns from the hospital as she is a doctor as well as from the association of professional basketball players organization. "They want to see you. Her husband, Joseph Toney, wasn't always present, so Lucille was pressured to set an example for all her kids. I would give him bubblegum, and then I would kiss him, and I say play your game. During his years in the NBA, he had a pregame routine with Lucille. Phillip passed away in 2013 but had been the ultimate guiding force throughout Shaqs basketball career. Phillip became more than a father figure to Shaq, and the NBA star acknowledges his stepfathers contribution to becoming the man he is today. During O'Neal's infanthood, his father Toney got arrested for drug possession and once went to federal prison for forging checks. Lucille O'Neal was once rumored while she divorced her husband after having kids. Despite all that, she always had a special bond with Shaq. Lucille O'Neal dishes on what it was like to raise her son, and it involved plenty of mac and cheese. I loving. Retain the loving memories, not the sorrow. So exactly how influential were Shaquille ONeals parents in his career? Allen Iverson barged in and grabbed the microphone, only to recall the time K.J. Shaquille O'Neal often talks about his mother Dr. Lucille O'Neal and how they share a very close relationship. The four-time NBA champion paid for her education, and she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in business administration and then a Master of Arts in organizational management. She was a beautiful person and a wonderful testimony to our Lord and Savior. Lucille's home is full of memorabilia from Shaq's storied career, including pictures with Magic Johnson, news clippings from NBA championships, his Wheaties box cover, and just about every jersey he's ever worn. She shared her recipe and a taste of Shaq's favorite homemade macaroni and cheese known in their house as "Lil' Shaq's Easy Mac" which she said is a little different every time she makes it, but is an O'Neal staple. I tell young people it all starts with you, when you want to do something, says the president of Mothers of Professional Basketball Players. Shaquille ONeals domination in high school and college basketball earned him the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Drafts with Orlando. Raised by a grandmother who showed love through tough discipline, Lucille struggled with her self-esteem. Her annual fundraiser, Shaqs Mama Said Knock You Out! benefits The Odessa Chambliss Quality of Life Fund. After being kind of the rock for everybody else, I got lost in the process and forgot about myself, she says. Shaq eventually followed his mother's advice and no longer makes fun of McGee. 2 talking about this. Peggy, Kenny, Vicki and family- I am so sorry for your loss. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram. The Bacon County native had lived in Tattnall County most of her life. Ways to honor Lucille O'NEAL's life and legacy. The 72-year-old Toney played high school basketball and received the All-State guard title. Phillip had been a real father figure to Shaq and introduced him to basketball. So sorry that all of you will have to miss her - but praising God that she is no longer trapped in her ailing body and re-united with her husband and son. Soon we will all be together again. She was a founding member of Liberty Baptist Church since February 23, 1940. Nirvaan Khan Net Worth, Bio, Relationship Status,, Ashwami Manjrekar Net Worth, Bio, Early Life,, Deirdre Ann Ottewill Net Worth, Bio, Early, Olalla Dominguez Liste Net Worth, Bio, Early. Many people don't know that the Diesel is actually a mama's boy. She will truly be missed. As a result, Shaq became a sensational player in the NBA. After 30 years of raising her children, in 2003, Lucille resumed her studies at Bethune-Cookman University, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She has four children: former NBA center Shaquille nicknamed Shaq, Lateefah, Jamal, Ayesha and fourteen grandchildren: notably Taahirah,Shareef,Amirah,Shaqir, andMe'ara. mother. After Shaquille's incredible performance, his mother pushed him to get to the NBA and make the most out of every opportunity. She served as the executive secretary for four years and has represented the association on many occasions. She had her first baby at the age of 18. She raised him in Newark, New Jersey, mainly as a single mother. . Lucille'sparents divorced when she was a toddler. I came away from reading this book with the opinion that Mrs. O'Neal had not gone from mental welfare to mental healthat least not by biblical standards.