Patricia Joyce Neely

Patricia Joyce Neely, 74, of Harrisville, Mississippi, passed away on Dec 5, 2024.

Pat was born May 12, 1950, and She was the daughter of Raymond and Frieda Dawson of Bluffton, OH. Pat spent most of her early life in Ohio before graduating high school from Mt. Vernon Academy; after high school, she went on to join the Airforce; upon fulfilling her enlistment obligation in the US Airforce, Pat went on to graduate from Lima Technical College with a degree in Nursing. Pat lived in Gallion, OH until she decided to move to Mississippi. After moving to Mississippi, Pat Joined the Mississippi Air National Guard as a flight nurse in the 183AES, where she met her husband, Richard. Pat married Richard Neely in 1978. Combined, they had three children: Walter Richard Neely Jr. (Rick), Sean Patric Neely, and Paul Randall Neely.

Pat was a nurse for over 25 years. She worked at many area hospitals, including UMMC, St. Dominics, and MS State Hospital. When Pat wasn’t working or raising children, she was very active in several Seventh-Day Adventist churches in the area she attended. She enjoyed being involved with the children’s ministries by filling the role of the Pathfinder Director. This role involved many outdoor activities and camping. She also enjoyed being part of her local community of Old Pearl by helping out at the local voting precinct and the Old Pearl volunteer fire dept. Pat was very giving of her time and volunteered with many other organizations. There was no doubt that Pat loved her family and community and loved the lord. She loved spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and relatives and attending church and church functions. Pat was married to Richard until his death in 2022, Her husband of over 44 years. 

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Raymond and Frieda Dawson, her husband, Walter Richard Neely Sr., Her Brothers Raymond Dawson and Travis Alvarez, and Her sister, Anita Alvarez Griffis. She is survived by her brothers, Phillip Randall Dawson and Jim Dawson. Her children, Walter Richard Neely Jr. (Kimberly Ann Reeves) Sean Patric Neely (Stefanie McClain Neely), and Paul Randall Neely (Bridget Phillips Neely) as well as his beloved grandchildren, Scarlett Marie Mitchell, Blake Daniel Neely, Sydney Ferguson Neely, Knox McClain Fairly, Jane Graham Fairly, Seth Richard Neely and Claire Hannah Neely.

Pat was a wife, a mother, a grandmother, an airman, and a community volunteer. She was loved by many and will truly be missed. 

A memorial visitation will be held at Chancellor Funeral Home in Florence, MS, on Friday, Dec 13, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the COLLEGE DRIVE SDA CHURCH 110 College Drive Pearl, MS 39208 601-664-1408