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1947
2017
Mary (Diane) Dorris McNeely peacefully passed away in her sleep on Thursday morning August 3, 2017. Diane was born June 2, 1947 in Vicksburg, Mississippi to WC and Mary Dorris. Diane grew up in Holly Bluff, Mississippi and was a star basketball player in high school. She received her Education degree from Mississippi State College for Women (The W). Her first teaching job was teaching 1st grade in Luling, St. Charles Parish, Louisiana. In 1976 Diane married her husband John and moved to Houston, Texas. She taught 1st grade at Frostwood Elementary for several years and then retired to be a full-time housewife and years later a full-time mom. Diane was a proud and devoted mother. After their children, John and Mary, were in school she took up teaching again. First at Beehive Preschool and later teaching 1st grade at West U Elementary. Diane was the ultimate volunteer, classroom mom, and team mom. If you raised children in the West U area in the last 30 years you knew, have volunteered with, or at a minimum would recognize Diane McNeely. Diane will be missed greatly by all those who knew her.
Diane was preceded in death by her father WC Dorris. She is survived by her husband John B. McNeely; her son John W. McNeely and wife Stephanie, grandchildren Micah, Dylan, Donavin, and Ryan; her daughter Mary A. McNeely; her mother Mary Dorris; her brother William Dorris and wife Francis.
The McNeely family would like to thank friends and family for the love and support during this very difficult time. A funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm, Thursday, August 10, 2017 at West University United Methodist Church, 3611 University Blvd, Houston, TX 77005. All are invited to join the family during a visitation at the church after the 1:00 pm service. A burial service will be held in Holly Bluff, Mississippi.
In lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of Diane McNeely or donate to the In Loving Memory of Diane McNeely team page for the Houston Walk to End Alzheimer's.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home.
October 12, 2017
John, we were out of town when Diane passed. I know it has got to be tough but maybe a relief as well. We have lots of good memories from the West U. sports fields involving the McNeely's. Our prayers are with you. Bob and Linda Ittner
September 3, 2017
Elaine Roberts
John, I'm very sorry for your loss! I just lost a friend back in April of this year and I miss her alot. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
August 16, 2017
Friend
Bonnie Clements
We were saddened to hear about Diane's passing. May you have comfort in memories of her good times. I enjoyed visiting with Diane and "Buster" while walking through the neighborhood. We would compare stories of our Boston Terriers. Such a dear, sweet lady--she will be missed.
August 12, 2017
Joe Edd Nelson
Diane was a very special person. I had the honor of knowing her and her husband, John through the Houston Club. They were always in attendance at our various social events. She had a great personality and I will miss her deeply.
August 10, 2017
Gloria Jeanne Brazell
I was fortunate to teach next door to Diane at West U El. for several years. She was truly kind to every child, parent, staff member there. My deepest sympathy.
August 9, 2017
Dee Garza
John and Diane have been my neighbors since 1976. We were "the young ones" then. We were surrounded by old people,many of them having lived here since the early forties. Diane knew them all. She even knew the names of their children and where they lived. She socialized with them and was very generous with them. But she was like that with everybody.
She became the heart of our close neighborhood here on Arnold and Auden and Robinhood. She had keys to all our houses and tended to things when we went out of town or needed her help in any way.
Then we had our kids and shared the joys and sorrows that parenthood brings. We grew old together. We were as close as sisters. Then she got sick and slowly faded away. Yes, she remained happy and social, and never turned down an invitation to go out with us. But she was leaving us ever so slowly. It was painful for all of us who loved and appreciated her. We missed her but we still had her and her smile.
Now we say goodbye to her forever. The heart of our tight neighborhood has stopped beating.
John and Mary, you know we loved her. We are here for you. I can only imagine your sorrow and that of her dear mother.
August 9, 2017
Dear McNeely family,
I taught first grade with Diane and she was a sweet, kind and genuine person. She loved her students and they in turn loved her. I will miss her in this life, however I know her life is free now. May you all have God's grace to fill your broken hearts. God Bless each of you during this time.
With love,
Marilyn Morton
August 8, 2017
Heartfelt condolences are extended to your family at this difficult time. Seek the love and support God provides to help you cope during this time - Psalms 29:11
August 8, 2017
Karen McAshan
Please accept our deepest sympathies in the loss of your sweet mother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you think of all the wonderful memories of you and your dear mother.
August 8, 2017
Dear McNeely family:
Diane welcomed us to the West University neighborhood in 1982. She was truly a Mississippi Southern Belle and her lovely personality served her well for her entire life. Over the years, she shared delicious recipes including chocolate cake and assisted us numerous times in finding celery plants for our garden. Diane had a kind word for everyone and was loved and respected as a teacher, neighbor and, most importantly, as a wife and mother. God met an Angel when Diane appeared in Heaven. We send you our sincere condolences.
Jo and William Schorp
August 7, 2017
Kathy Dougherty
Dear Mary and John and family ,
I will always remember being friends with Diane, even before having children in West University . There was a time when we called each other daily, and I so enjoyed her friendship. This was time when West U streets were still filled with the original members of the community , and Diane was a Saint to each and everyone of the aging population on her street - from running errands, cooking meals and treats, to attending doctor visits; Diane was often the only bright moment in their day. I remember Diane being one of the first to visit when I had my first son, and I have kept the bib she sewed and cross stitched for him because it was too darling to use! And I remember coming to visit the birth of her first child and bringing a gift for the baby and one for her much loved dog !! And then it was on to Beehive for my sons, and evidently hers . Time passes, people transfer , and old friendships are sometimes lost in the mix. However, Diane will always remain in my heart as someone who was so special and so kind .
Kathy and Mike Dougherty
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