Elizabeth "Lib" Neff

She was born on December 3, 1932, the only girl with five loving brothers. She was happily married to Robert Lee Neff, Sr. (Bob, "Bop") for 60 plus years – the love of her life. Elizabeth was born to Oscar and Elsie Edmonds of Knoxville. She graduated in 1950 from Knoxville High School and from the University of Tennessee in 1954 with a BS degree in Education. She taught elementary grades in Augusta, GA for one year while Bob served in the Army. She taught at Mountain View, Giffin, Perkins and Anderson, all Knoxville City Schools and retired in 1983. She was awarded several honors while teaching. After retirement, Bibby enjoyed spending time with all of her family at their cabin in Townsend. She could out work anyone in the yard, all while still cooking phenomenal family dinners. She and Bob enjoyed traveling throughout the United States especially New England and Canada. They also took day trips often to the mountains and Cades Cove. They enjoyed their season tickets to Vol football and basketball games for decades. She loved her Thursday lunch group with faithful friends. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church in Knoxville. Bibby was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her beloved dogs: Bailey, Rae, Annie and Copper who never left her side.

She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Robert Lee Neff, Sr.; first born son, Robert Lee Neff Jr, (Bobby); parents, Oscar and Elsie Edmonds; brothers: Oscar Edmonds, Jr., Charles Kenneth Edmonds, George Edmonds, and Gene Edmonds.

She is survived by her beloved son, Bobby’s children, son, Tyler Neff (Kristi) and their children: Journey Neff, Sydney and Rece Burleson; daughter, Jenna Neff Gitschlag (Steve), of Nashville, TN and their daughters, Greer and Blakely.

Bibby is also survived by her daughter, Jayne Neff Gipson (John), and their children Burt Gipson and his daughter Libby, Allie Gipson Conway (Will) and their children: Jack, GR and Sophie; Nick Gipson.

She is also survived by her daughter and recent roommate Patti Neff Gray, and her children, Tate Gray (Amelia) of Atlanta, GA, and her daughter, Dr. Kyndal Gray of Charlotte, NC.

Bibby is also survived by an abundance of faithful nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She is also survived by her sidekick canine friend Copper.

The family holds very cherished memories of her brother, Richard, who was a constant source of love and support.

A very special thank you to her next door neighbors, Larry and Candy Fansler; Dr. David Rankin, Sherry Coffield and staff for their care and love of mom and dad for many years.

The family will be receiving friends Thursday, October 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM at First Baptist Church, 510 W. Main Street, Knoxville, TN 37902 with a funeral service to begin at 5:00 PM with Rev. Dr. Brent McDougal officiating. Family and friends will meet Friday, October 11, 2024 at Woodlawn Cemetery, 4500 Woodlawn Pike, Knoxville for a 2:00 PM interment service. Pallbearers will be all of her grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to First Baptist Church and Blount County Animal Shelter, 233 Currie Ave. Maryville, TN 37804.

A special gathering of family and friends will be held at a later date at Bibby's house.

“Be strong in the Lord and be of good courage”

Online condolences and fond memories may be shared with the Neff family at www.berryfuneralhome.com