of Marion, AR
September 3, 1945 - March 14, 2025
Vesta Clarke McNeely, age 79, passed away on March 14, 2025 surrounded by her loving family. She was a cherished wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, whose unwavering love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.
Vesta was born in Memphis, Tennessee on September 03, 1945. She was the daughter of Clarence Alvin Clarke and Vesta Kuhn Clarke. After graduating from Marion High School in 1962, Vesta went on to earn a degree from Arkansas State University in 1966, followed by a master's degree in physical education in 1968. She worked at Marion High School as a teacher and coach until she retired more than a decade later.
Vesta's faith was a cornerstone of her life and she was an active member of New Beginnings Methodist Church, where she found strength and joy in her community and her faith.
In 1963, Vesta married Billy Eaton McNeely, with whom she shared 62 years of companionship. Together, they built a family rooted in love, generosity and strong values.
Vesta's greatest pride and joy were her children and grandchildren. She is survived by her devoted husband, Billy E. McNeely; daughters, Winkie (David) Horton, Mary (Mike) Tolleson and Stephanie (Rusty) Mooney; grandchildren, Matt, Ethan, Maddy, Micah, Meagan, Savannah, Maggie and Ransom and great-grandchildren, Jonah, Jacob, JoleAnne, Reed, Libby and Skye.
Vesta's love for her family knew no bounds. As a grandmother, she was a strong matriarch, a constant source of love, wisdom and strength. She was generous with her time, always making room for a good story, a heartfelt laugh and a moment of joy with those she loved. Her passions included reading, shopping, traveling, visiting with friends and cherishing every moment with her beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Vesta's legacy of love, kindness and devotion to her family will forever live on. She will be deeply missed but never forgotten, as her memory will continue to inspire and guide her loved ones in the years to come.
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31 Condolence(s)
Dianne Winston Hicks
Friday, March 21, 2025
Wow, my sincere condolences to the family. Mrs McNeely was my track coach at Marion High School and we all loved her. She was the best, she will always be Mrs. MC to us.
Cassandra Bretherick Meyer
Friday, March 21, 2025
I'm saddened to hear of Coach McNeely passing. Prayers to the Family
Cindy Benton
Thursday, March 20, 2025
My heart goes out to all of your family during this difficult time. She was an amazing person who made a lasting impact on so many lives.
Bill and Tami Spicer
Thursday, March 20, 2025
Billy and girls, I was shocked to see this on Facebook. Praying for God to comfort your hearts. Many fond memories with Tet on Lynwood.
Suzi Parnell
Thursday, March 20, 2025
So sorry to about Vesta. She was such a kind and friendly lady. Praying for the family
Cheryl Williams House
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
So sorry for your loss. I’ve known Tet all my life. She will be greatly missed. My prayers for all her family in the days ahead. May God be with you as you face life without her.
Randy and Tammy Collins
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
Mrs Mac was a pillar of the Patriot Family and always was there to listen. Praying for Winkie, Beth, Stephanie and family.
Carolyn C Needham
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
,WINKIE I'm so sorry about your mother . MAY God watch over you and your family
Bill and Bobbie Barnett
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
My prayers are with you and your families! Tet was a very special person and I enjoyed our visits. She raised a beautiful family with her husband Billy and I will miss seeing her at NBMC
Ellen Foote
Wednesday, March 19, 2025
My prayers are with all of u. So sorry for your loss. She was a wonderful woman and will always be missed.
Patti Beth Holzer
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Beth,
Please know that your mother was truly adored by our family. I have so many memories of her at basketball and baseball games, etc. always cheering everyone on and being the best team mom. She had this kind spirit that always brought a smile to my face, and made me feel comforted. Now don’t get me wrong…..she could definitely keep me in line but a few seconds later, she would give me a big bear hug and I knew she still loved me.
Please hug your sisters and amazing dad for me. I ask God to please Comfort each of you during this time. I know that there was a beautiful space reserved for her in Heaven and that many family and friends were there to rejoice her with open arms.
In fact, I’m certain that my dad has already harassed her about something and my Sweet home is probably apologizing for his behavior
Know that I love each and every one of you and I hope my last comment made you smile.
The days And years in front of you will be very difficult and I pray God gives you strength and courage to get through them.
Nannette Whitten Baker
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Billy, Winkie & family,
I am so sorry your heartbreak. Vesta was very much loved, that’s for sure. Old Marion will not be the same without her. It had been a long time since I’d seen Vesta, but living one street over, we (Whitten) family have always thought the world of this dear family.
We pray for strength in abundance for your family.
Keith Crowder
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Billy, I am so sorry to learn of your loss. I have known Tet almost as long as you and your family, Tet was always one of my favorite people. You and your girls are in my thoughts and prayers!
Bob and Barbara Stokes
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Tet was a blessing to me (Barbara), especially when as a young adult I needed some straight advice. She was good to me and I'll never forget it. God be with all of you in her family.
Harriet Luttrell Francis
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
I am so so sorry to hear about Tet. She left a wonderful legacy here. Thinking of and praying for the family and friends who will miss her terribly.
Billie Ginn
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
To the entire family , so very sorry for your great loss. Prayers for peace and comfort for your days and weeks to come . Hugs and prayers to you all !
Janie Aycock
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
So very sorry I am praying for you all.
Katie Kilmore Autry
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Dear Billy & family,
My Mom and I will cherish the memories we have of spending such precious time with all of you. Tet was loved by all and she has a special place in my heart especially. On behalf of my Mom and me, know we're lifting you up in prayer and may God's gentle and loving hands keep you. She joins many great ones in heaven, on eagles wings.
Den Rogers
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Winkie & Beth,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. My prayers are with you and all of the family.
Nannette & OD Baker
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Billy, Winnie & family,
I am so sorry your heartbreak. Vesta was very much loved, that’s for sure. Old Marion will not be the same without her. It had been a long time since I’d seen Vesta, but living one street over, we (Whitten) family have always thought the world of this dear family.
We pray for strength in abundance for your family.
Roddy and Mary Ann Garey
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Tet was a good friend. We've know her most of our lives and have so many wonderful memories of growing up with her in Marion. She will be missed by all of us and especially by those closest to her. May we all find comfort in knowing she is with our Lord in heaven with those that have gone before. We are praying for Billy, Winkie, Beth, and Stephanie and all those beautiful grandchildren and great-grands she was so proud of. You were her joy. Our thoughts and prayers are with her whole family, especially Janet, Milton, and Tom.
Deana Stewart
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Vesta was just a treasure...I was so fortunate to have been with her in our local Community Bible Study group. Always willing to share a wonderful insightful comment she truly made our class spiritual and uplifting. She will be missed. My prayers and love go out to each of her family members. They showed all of us how to support and love our family especially during the tough times.
Andy Luttrell
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Prayers for the McNeely family. Vesta's family has a long growing up in Crittenden County. She was so sweet and beautiful lady.
Andy Luttrell
STEVE & CARISSA GRIFFIN
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
WINKIE, CARISSA ARE SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT YA'LL MOTHER. SHE WILL BE MISSED BY ALL THAT KNEW HER! YA'LL WILL BE IN OUR THOUGTHS AND PRAYERS DAILY!
Rhonda/Hinkle/Vaughn/Buchenroth
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
Mrs. Mac was the best team mom growing up. She made sure all of little Roadrunners softball players were taking care of back in the day.
My condolences to Winkie , Beth, Stephanie and Family
Lesa Palmer
Monday, March 17, 2025
Winkie, I’m so sorry to hear this about your mom. You and your family are in my prayers.
Jeffrey & Rebecca Kraft
Monday, March 17, 2025
From the very moment we moved into the neighborhood, we were welcomed with the beautiful grace and love of Mac and Poppy, along with our other kind and loving neighbors.
Only was at the neighborhood tree a couple times but those moments there with our neighbors, lifted burdens they will never know they help lift by their smiles and mere conversations. I will miss her waves, her hellos, her smiles, and her love she deeply had for community, church, family, friends, and neighbors. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers for all during this time. She truly was a beacon of God’s love we will dearly be missed by all.
Carol Sanders Manning
Monday, March 17, 2025
Tet I am so sorry that you are leaving us and I know Billy and your girls are going to miss you. There are a host of friends in heaven to meet you.
Allyson Floyd
Monday, March 17, 2025
We sure will miss you, Mac! Round table time just won't be the same without you there. Praying for the family.
jeanie hale Martz
Monday, March 17, 2025
Tet will be missed by us all. She was a life-long friend and always was there when you needed her. Thinking of the family who loved her and her girls who had a great mother. Jeanie Hale Martz
Pam Young
Monday, March 17, 2025
I’m gonna miss sweet Vesta so much. Heartfelt sympathy to Winkie, Beth, Stephanie, Billy and all of Vesta’s family