Marilyn "Celeste" Neel

Celeste was born on June 14, 1946 in Weslaco ,TX. She was preceded in death by her parents Doris Wilds Buchanan and Kleber C. Buchanan; sister Claudia Grohman; and brother-in-law James Pavlica. She is survived by her sister Doris Diane Pavlica of McAllen; nephew Travis Pavlica of Dallas; niece Shelby (Aaron) King and children, Miles and Stella of Arlington.

Celeste grew up in Alamo, Texas. She graduated from PSJA High School in 1964 and went on to obtain multiple degrees in education. Celeste worked her entire 35-year career as a teacher and campus administrator in Sheldon ISD, beginning in 1969. She loved challenging and entertaining her students and was counted on by many to serve on councils and to lead trainings. Celeste had a zest for life. She loved her Houston Astros and Dallas Cowboys and wouldn’t miss the chance to cheer them on from the stands with her friends. Celeste had the gift of painting landscapes and enjoyed traveling with her life-long best friend, Marna Robertson. She never missed a Bunko game with her dear friends or a chance to get her hair and nails done. Celeste never expected anything of others, and the love that she had for her family and friends was endless and unconditional. Loving, witty, loyal, and honest —she was a gift to us all.

A visitation for Marilyn will be held Friday, January 21, 2022 from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM at Hughes Road Auditorium at Sagemont Church, 11323 Hughes Rd., Houston, TX 77089. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:30 AM, 11323 Hughes Rd., Houston, TX 77089. A graveside service will occur Monday, January 24, 2022 at 9:00 AM at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 1701 E. Richardson, Edinburg, TX 78542.

In lieu of usual remembrances, please consider making a donation in memory of Celeste to the

Cure Alzheimer’s Fund https://curealz.org/giving/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.navarrefuneralhome.com for the Neel family.