Mary Ellen Neely

Mary Ellen Neely, of Spartanburg, SC, passed away on November 8, 2023 at the age of 85. She was born on April 25, 1938 to Ralph and Alma (Deal) Myers in Spartanburg, SC. Mary Ellen lived her entire life in Spartanburg. Mary Ellen graduated from Spartanburg High School and attended and graduated from Limestone College. Later, she received a master's degree in early childhood education from Converse College. She married Charles Neely in 1969, and they were married for over 51 years. Mary Ellen loved to serve and help people. She loved the Lord and served her church, Evangel Cathedral, in many areas, from teaching Sunday School to singing in the choir, providing refreshments to the choir, and hosting a bible study home group for many years. She was also a substitute teacher and led a GED program once. Her favorite pastime was caring for her family, including two daughters, Heather Neely Fields and Sharon Neely. Her nickname, Tater Tot, was a result of her sparkling personality and fun-loving spirit. She was a devoted wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to all who knew her. Mary Ellen was preceded in death by her mother and father, her sister, Barbara Furbee, and her husband, Charles Neely. She is survived by her daughters, Heather Fields and Sharon Neely; her sisters, Aimee Peters and Lynne Myers Gray (Jim); two grandchildren, Daniel and Rachel Fields; and nieces and nephews. A visitation will be held on Monday, November 13, 2023, from 2:00 until 2:45 PM at J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. A funeral service will follow in the Dunbar Funeral Home Chapel at 3:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Larry Braswell and Rev. Javon Ruff. Graveside services will immediately follow in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood-Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC 29307.