Kathrine Robinson Fort Neel

Born at Mary Elizabeth Hospital in Raleigh, she was the daughter of David Ira Fort Jr. and Elizabeth Hicks Robinson Fort.

After graduating from the high school department of Peace Junior College, she attended St. Mary’s School and the University of Georgia. In 1944, she graduated from Salem College. In 1945, she received a degree in Library Science from Columbia University.

Mrs. Neel worked as a military librarian in Maryland and Germany, and as a civilian librarian in North Carolina, Kentucky and Ohio.

In 1964, she married Mr. Paul Randolph Neel of Dayton, Ohio. Their son, David Arlington Fort Neel, was born in 1965. The family then returned to Raleigh, where Mrs. Neel lived until her move to Glenaire in 2000.

She made her debut in Raleigh in 1941. She was a member of the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution.

She was a dedicated Christian and a lifelong member of First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh. With family and friends, she enjoyed sharing her love of the Church, the arts, history and travel. She delighted in meeting people and hearing their stories.

Mrs. Neel was predeceased by her husband and her son. She is survived by stepdaughters Sharon Neel Smith (Orville); Sandra Neel Wietzel (John); Paula Neel Fields (Jerry); and their children, grandchildren and one great grandson. Also, she is survived by cousins in North Carolina and South Carolina.

The family would like to thank the staff of Glenaire and Hospice of Wake County. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Glenaire Foundation Memorial Fund or Hospice of Wake County.

The family will receive friends at First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh on Thursday, November 7 at 2PM. A service will follow at 3PM. Arrangements are with Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.