Jean M. Neely

Beloved mother and grandmother, Jean Markham Neely, 93, passed away October 19, 2022. Jean was born on March 10, 1929 and spent her life dedicated to her family and her church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert "Bob" Neely, Parents, Bert Edwin and Annie V Stratton Markham, Sister, Mary Claude Orgain, and Brothers, Joel Stratton Markham, Robert Edwin Markham, Ralph Adams Markham, and Laurie "Pete" Williams Markham.

She is survived by her Son and daughter-in-law, David and Tina Neely of Los Angeles, Daughters and son-in-law, Suzanne Neely Holmes of Nashville, Jennifer and Brian Howard of Cohutta, GA, and Cheryl Neely of Arlington, VA, and Grandchildren, Matthew Watson of Nashville, Anne Holmes of Denver, CO, Braden Howard and Weston Howard, both of Cohutta, GA, And many nieces and nephews.

Jean grew up in Robertson County and attended Barren Plains Elementary, Adams Elementary, Cedar Hill Elementary, then Cedar Hill High School where she graduated as salutatorian of her class in 1947. Jean loved growing up on the farm where she emulated her brothers, learned to drive a tractor at age 9, and loved training and riding her horse, Topsy. She loved celebrations with her family and taking care of animals on the farm. She remained very close to her parents, sister and brothers, and nieces and nephews during their lifetimes.

She attended her freshman year of college at Austin Peay State College, where she met Bob Neely, fell in love, and married him three months later. After Bob and Jean left Austin Peay and settled in Nashville, she worked for a short while at Dunn & Bradstreet before starting her family. They had David, Suzanne, Jennifer and Cheryl between 1950 and 1970. Her family filled her with joy and pride. She had many dogs through the years that she also loved dearly.

Once her youngest child started high school, Jean worked at Two Rivers Baptist Church for 11 years preparing the Wednesday night fellowship meal. She attended Eastland Baptist Church for many years and later moved to Inglewood Baptist where she joined the Friendship Class, taught Sunday school, and later loved attending Friday night bible study with close church friends. She was active in the East Nashville YMCA’s Seniors group, enjoyed swimming and water aerobics and went on several trips.

She had a wonderful marriage that lasted until Bob’s death. After the loss of her dear husband in 1993, she was blessed with more grandchildren, and she traveled to places that she never dreamed she would see. The highlight of her travels was a trip to visit the Church of St. John the Baptist, connected to her family history, in her namesake town of Markham, England.

Jean was proud to have cared for her mother in her home for the last years of her mother’s life. In her 70s, she worked as a caregiver through Perennial Services Network to help those who were ill and needed help to stay in their homes. This brought her much joy as she had thought of becoming a nurse when she was young. In 2017, she moved closer to her daughter in Dalton, GA and then in Chattanooga, TN so that her daughter could care for her.

A visitation for Jean will be held Saturday, October 22, 2022 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Inglewood Baptist Church, 3901 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. A funeral service will occur Saturday, October 22, 2022 at 3:00 PM, 3901 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216. A committal service will occur Monday, October 24, 2022 at 11:00 AM at Woodlawn Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204.

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

Memorial contributions may be made to:

The Nashville Humane Association, 213 Oceola Ave, Nashville, TN 37209

Nashville Rescue Mission, 639 Lafayette St, Nashville, TN 37203

The Alzheimer's Association, 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17, Chicago, IL 60601