Merlene Dale O'Neal Jiles

Merlene Dale O’Neal Jiles, known as Dale, passed away peacefully in her sleep at her home in the early morning hours of September 12, 2026. She was 86 years old.

Dale was born on January 15, 1940, in Macon, Georgia, to Clyde Lamar O’Neal and Clara Rebecca (Walls) O’Neal. She attended Miller High School in Macon and was a Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star.

She shared her life with her husband, Emory Shaw Jiles Jr., for 64 years, and together they raised four children: Deborah, Julie, Emory, and David.

For many years, Dale served as the manager of Chichester’s Pharmacy on Vineville Avenue in Macon, where generations of customers came to know her for her warmth and kindness.

Dale was a devout Christian and a longtime member of Shalom Tabernacle in Warner Robins. She displayed unwavering faith throughout her life, trusting completely in the unfailing grace and power of Jesus Christ. She continually covered her family in prayer and taught her children and grandchildren about Jesus, sowing seeds of faith that would take root and endure.

Dale loved capturing memories by taking photographs of her family and loved ones. She was a wonderful storyteller who delighted in sharing memories from years gone by. Over the course of her life, Dale collected countless keepsakes, photographs, and beloved “what-nots,” each holding a memory or a story of its own.

Above all, Dale cherished her family. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren knew her as Mema, and she took great pride in being present for the important moments in their lives. From ballgames and recitals to weddings, new babies, and family celebrations, Dale was always there with her camera close at hand to capture the occasion. Her beloved Chihuahua, Nacho, also held a special place in her heart and was her steadfast companion.

Dale is survived by her husband, Emory Shaw Jiles Jr.; her four children, Deborah Elaine (Jiles) Giannattasio (Ralph), Julie Elizabeth (Jiles) Sowell (Kerry), Emory Shaw Jiles III, and David Neal Jiles (Paula); her eleven grandchildren, Kevin Leslie (Jessica), Chris Leslie, Kati Black (Chris), Justin Sowell (Kelly), Adrien Page (Scott), Christopher Thompson, Rachel Giannattasio, Brenden Jiles (Abbie), Bradley Jiles (Holly), Madison Jiles, and Mallory Jiles; her twelve great-grandchildren; and her siblings, Clara Louise Brooks and Clyde Lamar O’Neal Jr.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Clyde Lamar O’Neal and Clara Rebecca (Walls) O’Neal, and her daughter-in-law, Tammy Jiles.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 17, 2026, at Sardis-Heard Funeral Home. Burial will be private.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express condolences.

Sardis-Heard Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, GA 31216 has charge of the arrangements.