Mary Elizabeth Simpson Neeley

After 100 years of a richly blessed life on earth, Mary Elizabeth Simpson Neeley was welcomed into the arms of her Heavenly Father on December 14, 2012. Her family celebrates and honors her long and abundantly full life. She was born on September 24, 1912, to Dr. Claude Mitchell Simpson and Sarah “Sallie” Elizabeth Burks Simpson in Kansas City, MO.

She was a treasured mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and great grandmother to those who will remember her through precious memories: daughter Dr. Claudia “Bette” Neeley-Plog (Dallas), daughter Sarah “Sally” Metschan and husband Mike (Austin) and son Dr. Joe “Bud” Neeley and wife Karen (Austin); grandchildren: Dr. Tracy and Jason Crawford (Coppell), Susan and Andy Tanabe (Seattle), Brent and Shelly Metschan (Austin), Kent and Kerrie Metschan (Austin), Josiah and Nikkie Neeley (Georgetown), and Zachary and Jenna Neeley (San Francisco); great grandchildren: Adrian, Nathan and Preston Crawford; Noel Tanabe; Margot, Liam and Adaire Metschan; Layne and Mallory Metschan; and Penelope Neeley. Also surviving her are several nieces and nephews. Mary would also want to include and thank three dear friends who were a special part of her life for their friendship, devotion, laughs and visits: Bernadette, Sissy and Martha.

Welcoming her into heaven were her devoted husband of 68 years, Joe R. Neeley; her parents; brothers Dr. Claude M. Simpson, Jr. and Dr. Warren C. Simpson; sister Dr. Helen L. Simpson; and many other relatives.

Mary was a PK (preacher’s kid) whose father was a Methodist minister and District Superintendent; and in her own words “although I was born in Kansas City, Missouri, I grew up all over North Texas”. After graduating with a B.S. degree from S.M.U. in 1933, she taught school in Paris and Gladewater, Texas, where she met and married her life companion, Joe Neeley, in 1937 and “the moving started again.”

After living in four states, they moved to Bishop, TX, where the children were raised; and Mary was once again a Physical Education teacher. In 1962 Mary received her Master of Library Science degree from T.W.U. and became an Assistant Librarian at Texas A&I University in Kingsville, TX. A move to Pt. Pleasant, WV, presented her with the opportunity to become the librarian for Gallia Academy High School in Gallipolis, Ohio. After retirement, Mary and Joe moved to New Braunfels, TX in 1975 and thoroughly enjoyed their participation in their newest community. After Joe’s death, Mary moved to Austin and lived with her daughter and son-in-law, Sally and Mike Metschan—one last move!

Mary was a member of Beta Phi Mu (faculty-nominated library science honor society), Daughters of the American Revolution, and listed in Who’s Who of American Women, Dictionary of International Biography, and Who’s Who in Library Service.

Mary was not only the matriarch of her family but a gifted artist and pianist and organist who played by ear. Her family, especially her husband, loved listening to her play when she was unaware of their presence. Known for her wisdom, intelligence and dry sense of humor, she shall be missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing and learning from her and being loved by her.

On Saturday, January 12, 2013, there will be a Graveside Service at 10:30am in New Braunfels at Guadalupe Valley Memorial Park, 2951 Hwy 46 South; and a Celebration of Life Service at 2:00pm in Austin at Bethany United Methodist Church, 10010 Anderson Mill Road.

If desired, the family asks you to consider contributions to one of Mary’s favorite charities: the outreach program, My Friends Haus, at Comal County Senior Citizens’ Foundation, 655 Landa St, New Braunfels, TX 78130.