Ethel B. McNeil was born on March 7, 1944, in Hastings, Florida to Fred and Odessa Kemp, Sr., and was lovingly raised by the late Edward and Annie Bell Singleton, Sr. Ethel was a faithful and dedicated member of the Lord’s Temple under the leadership of Bishop Thomas Cave III. Ms. Ethel McNeil was a retired educator, visionary leader, and devoted servant of the Hastings community. Her legacy is etched in the history of the St. Johns County School District as a tireless advocate for educational excellence and equal opportunity. A product of Hastings herself, Ms. McNeil graduated as Salutatorian of the Walter E. Harris High School Class of 1961. She went on to earn her Bachelor of Science degree cum laude from Edward Waters College in 1966, and later her Master of Education with honors from Florida A&M University in 1972. In pursuit of leadership and excellence, she completed her certification in Administrative Supervision at the University of North Florida in 1977. Ms. McNeil began her distinguished career teaching English at her alma mater. In 1977, she rose to a leadership role at Hastings High School and made history as the first woman appointed to a secondary principalship in St. Johns County. She faithfully served in that role until her retirement in 2003, leaving a profound impact on countless students, educators, and the wider school community. Throughout her tenure, Ms. McNeil was widely recognized for her outstanding contributions to education.

Her honors include:

Outstanding Educator of America

Teacher of the Year at Hastings High School

Featured in Who’s Who and Why of Successful Florida Women

A forward-thinking administrator, she was also the first principal in the district to introduce and implement a school uniform policy, emphasizing discipline, unity, and equity among students. Ms. McNeil’s leadership extended far beyond the classroom. Deeply engaged in civic life, she was an active member of the St. Johns-Putnam-Flagler Chapter of the Charmettes, and served with distinction as National President of The Charmettes, Inc. from 1995 to 1997. In 2003, after being diagnosed with renal cancer, Ms. McNeil underwent a life-saving kidney transplant. Her remarkable journey of resilience was featured in the Palatka Daily News in 2019, where her strength and perseverance served as an inspiration to many. She was a passionate advocate for early detection and cancer prevention, actively supporting the Charmettes’ national initiative to eradicate cancer in our lifetime.

Throughout her life, she was surrounded by the unwavering love and support of her faithful siblings, family members, dear friends, and the entire Hastings community—each playing a part in her journey of service and strength.

Ethel was preceded in eternal rest by her parents, Fred and Odessa Kemp, cousins, Renee Rogers, Keith Henry, nephew, Johnny Kemp, niece, Latonia Kemp, godchildren, Chad Anderson, and Evonski Tucker

She leaves to cherish her memories: siblings, Yvonne Kemp, Fred “Rico” Kemp, Carolyn Kemp Anderson (Roosevelt), Donald Kemp, Johnnie Kemp (Eldria), Gail Kemp Anderson, Kathy Kemp Sumerall (Rodney), Anthony Kemp, Edward Singleton (Rochelle), niece/like a daughter, Traronda Coleman (Chris), special nieces, Taylor Coleman, Tramaine Coleman, and Tyra Coleman, aunt, Martha Garris, godchildren, Todra Anderson-Rhodes, Tedra Anderson-Brown, Tammy Jackson, Erica Brinson, Janelle Kemp, LJ Boyd IV, special friends, Donie Cue, Joann Simpson, Rosetta James and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

VISITATION AND PRE-HOMEGOING CELEBRATION Friday, July 18, 2025|5:30-7p.m., The Lord’s temple, 140 Gilmore Street, Hastings

HOMEGOING CELEBRATION

Saturday, July 19, 2025| 1pm

Public viewing & final bell 11am-1pm

The Lord’s Temple

ENTOMBMENT

Palatka Memorial Gardens