Gloria Grainger Neel

She is preceded in death by her parents and husband Charles Arthur Neel, Sr. And son Charles Arthur Neel, Jr.

She is survived by daughter in law Cecelia Cameron Neel. Daughter Andrea Neel Gilbert and son in law Bo Gilbert. Son Anson Neel and daughter in law Nancy Patterson Neel. Eleven grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

Born Gloria Ann Grainger to Evelyn Stilley and George Grainger on September 6, 1936 in Timpson Texas. She graduated from Timpson High School in 1954 and was a proud member of the marching band playing the trumpet. From there she went on to graduate from Stephen F. Austin University in 1957 with a degree in elementary education.She taught 3rd grade in Beaumont and after staying home to raise her three children, she taught 1st grade in Lufkin for the next 22 years.

Gloria married Charles Neel who joined the Texas Rangers and relocated her to Houston, Lufkin, Wildwood and finally settling in Diboll Texas. They were both outdoor lovers and enjoyed camping, fishing and boating with their family.

She was an active member of the First Presbyterian Church during her Lufkin years, where she was involved in the youth and young adult faith formation groups.

She was a member of the Diboll Garden Club and was involved in many book drives, food collections and other community activities. She loved to travel...anywhere! She enjoyed reading, crafting, painting and working crossword puzzles.

She was a wonderful mother, G’Ma, friend, mentor and guide on how to be a strong woman and still have a soft voice. She loved nothing better than spending time with her grandchildren and their little ones. Her motto was “Family first, forever and no matter what!”

Gloria will be remembered with A Rosary service to be held at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N. Loop 1604 East, San Antonio TX 78232 (210-495-7770) on January 11, 2024.The visitation will begin at 5:30pm and Rosary Service at 6pm. She will be laid to rest the following day beside her beloved husband in The Garden of Memories in Lufkin, TX

In lieu for flowers, please feel free to make a donation in her name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the American Cancer Society.

The family would like to thank Home Instead and Embrace Hospice for their loving caregivers and the peace they brought to our Mom. Special thanks go to Melinda Beatty and Linda Uribe whose devotion, love and respect for our entire family, including dogs, made her last year peaceful, joyful and funny. They will forever be in our hearts.