Marion- Dorothy L. McNeely, age 87, of Marion, passed away peacefully at home at 3:50pm on Saturday, July 2, 2016, surrounded by her loving family.
Dorothy was born in Carterville on May 31, 1929, the daughter of Lee Chapman and Lela Marie (Winstead) Harris. She married Rev. Kenneth Lee McNeely on April 14, 1951. He preceded her in death on March 5, 2005.
Mrs. McNeely was a member of Spillertown Baptist Church. She was a homemaker. In her younger years, Dorothy and her cousin, Wilma Conley, managed “Al and Jim’s Pizza House” in Marion. She also worked a short time at Sangamo Factory in the Ordill Area.
Dorothy was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother, who always put her family first. She loved gardening, canning, cooking, preparing big meals and having family and friends gather for fellowship. She loved April “fooling” her family and over the years, has created lots of laughter and memories playing jokes on each of the family members.
Some of her grandchildren’s fondest memories are, bologna gravy, bringing grilled cheese and rice krispy treats to her room to watch tv, Christmas time, and making nibbles. No matter what they did, right or wrong, she always loved them and never showed disappointment. She would say, “Walk outside, look at the moon and when you see it…always know Grandma loves you.”
Survivors include
Daughter- Emily (Don) Eldridge of Marion
Daughter- Mary (Mike) Lee of Marion
Son- Rev. Kevin (Carla) McNeely of Marion
Five Grandchildren-
Gretchen Eldridge of St. Louis, MO
Rev. Benjamin (Stephanie) Eldridge of Marion
Tanya (Scott) Miller of Marion
Rev. Andy (Stephanie) Lee of Marion
Jonas McNeely of Marion
Five great grandchildren- Michaela, Payton and McKenlee Miller
Caleb and Jackson Lee
One Great Grandson on the way- Asher Mark Eldridge
She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and one brother- Clifford Boyd.
Funeral services to celebrate Dorothy’s life will be held at 1:00pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Grange Hall Church. Her son, Rev. Kevin McNeely, will officiate. Burial will follow at McKinney Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11-1pm on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 at Grange Hall Church. Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home in Marion is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
For those who prefer, memorial donations may be made to Camp Jericho. Envelopes will be available and accepted at Mitchell-Hughes Funeral Home; 800 N Market Street; Marion, IL 62959.