Betty Dean McNeely

December 11, 1945 — December 9, 2024

Myrtle

Betty Dean Jennings McNeely, 78 went to be with her Savior on Monday, December 9, 2024. She was born December 11, 1945, in San Francisco, California to Boone and Anna Loyce Gaines Jennings. She was a 1963 graduate of the West Union Attendance Center. 

Her favorite pastime was playing basketball for the Lady Eagles and she helped her team win the state championship during her high school career. In 1965, she had two daughters, DeAnn McNeely Massengill (Thomas) of New Albany, and Andi Thompson of Myrtle. One special son Timothy Simmons (Amanda) of New Albany. She had three grandchildren, Andrew Massengill of New Albany, Preslee Nanney, and Benton Nanney, of Myrtle. In 1974, Betty became the librarian at the Myrtle Public Library where she served for almost 40 years. In honor of her service, it was renamed the Nance-McNeely Memorial Library.

Betty is survived by her daughters,one special son and grandchildren . Her sisters, Audry Clement, Lawanda Russell (David), Peggy Hawkes (Brad), brothers, Richard Jennings (Kathy), Daniel Jennings, brother-in-law, Bill Raines, sister-in-law, Barbara Jennings, and a large family of nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents,brother Boone (Roy) Jennings, sister Debbie Raines, and brother-in-law Bob Clement. Betty enjoyed life. She had a passionate love for books. 

She especially loved gardening, camping, and spending time with her family at the lake. She was a loyal member of Old Oak Grove Baptist Church in Myrtle. She loved teaching Sunday School and spending time with her church family.

A Visitation to honor her life will be held Friday, December 13, 2024, at Glenfield Funeral Home from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm. The service will begin at 2:00 pm. Bro. Bobby Butler will be in charge of the service.

Pallbearers will be Richard Jennings, David Russell, Bill Raines, Sam Davis, Thomas Massengill, Andre Harris, and Joey Patterson. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, The Union County Library, or Old Oak Grove Baptist Church.

Glenfield Funeral Home is honored to be entrusted with the care of Mrs. Betty.