Mary Joe O’Neil was born on February 16, 1944 in Talladega, Alabama to Mary Josepine  McCaig and Howard Eugene Polk. They were later divorced and her mother married George William Whittle who raised her.

Mary had many hobbies; she loved working in her flower garden, especially her day lilies and listening to rock and roll and gospel music, reading and working puzzles. She also had a heart of gold, helping anyone in need. Mary was a people person, never meeting a stranger. But most of all she loved her family and friends dearly. She was an all-out Braves fan.