Madeline Johnson McNeeley, age 86 of Norris, TN died October 15, 2011
Born May 16, 1925 in Clarendon Township, Michigan, Mrs. McNeeley lived in Chicago, IL and
worked as a registered nurse after she graduated from Wesley Memorial Hospital School of
Nursing during WWII. She met her husband, a US Army doctor, the late S. Gene McNeeley, at a
hospital mixer. They were married on December 13, 1946 and upon military discharge in 1948
they moved to Dr. McNeeley's native Tennessee, settling in Norris where they raised their six
children. Mrs. McNeeley assisted her husband in his busy medical practice and worked as a
registered nurse at UT Medical Center for a time. She and her husband were founding members
of St. Francis Episcopal Church, where she served as Altar Guild chairman for many years. An
accomplished cook and hostess, Mrs. McNeeley was widely known for her hospitality skills.
She was a swimming instructor and lifeguard, as well as den mother and active supporter of her
children's Scouting activities. She was fond of gardening and was an avid needle-worker. Many
friends and family members wear sweaters she had knitted, and one of her needle-point pieces is
a kneeler in the Washington National Cathedral featuring the Episcopal Diocese of East
Tennessee.
Preceded in death by her parents, three sisters and her husband, Mrs. McNeeley leaves behind
her brother Bradley F. Johnson and his wife Marianne, Pheonix, AZ; six children and their
spouses: Dr. E. Trent McNeeley and Louise Long McNeeley, Knoxville TN; Mrs. Judith
McNeeley Ryland and Jim Ryland, Norris TN; Dr. Howard B. McNeeley and Jill Bingham
McNeeley, Norris TN; the Rev. Dr. David F. McNeeley and Dr. Marise B. McNeeley, Teaneck
New Jersey; Dr. S. Gene McNeeley, Jr. and Dr. Susan Hendrix, Bloomfield Hills MI; the Rev.
William J. McNeeley and Sherri Hudnall McNeeley, Knoxville TN ; 18 grandchildren, 10 greatgrandchildren,
and many nieces and nephews.
Arrangements by Holley-Gamble, Clinton, TN. Mrs. McNeeley's life will be celebrated with the
Holy Eucharist on Tuesday, October 25 at 1o'clock, St. Francis Episcopal Church, 158 West
Norris Road in Norris, TN where her remains will be interred. Friends will be received earlier
that day in the parish hall at 12:00 noon. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the St.
Francis Church Memorial Fund.