Lessie Dunford Holmes Neel

Lessie Dunford Holmes Neel, 92, died on June 26, 2009. She was at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was born July 28, 1916 in Bear Wallow to the late Jacob and Christine Dunford. She was the last of her immediate family of 13 children. She was also preceded in death by first husband, Robert M. Holmes, who was the father of her children, and her second husband, Richard Neel. She was a long-time member of Midway Chapel Church in Saltville. Survivors include her two sons, Harless Holmes and wife, Peggy, of Meadowview, and Thurman "Buddy" Holmes and wife, Grace, of Bristol; three daughters, Annie M. Garza of Saltville, Clara Felty and husband, Bacel, of Bristol, and Gladys Handley and husband John, of Glade Spring; 15 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 11 great-great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services were conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 30, at Henderson Funeral Home with the Rev. Kenny Gilbert officiating. Burial followed in Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. The family received friends Monday from 6 until 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Pallbearers were the grandsons, great-grandsons, and members of the family. Flowers are appreciated or memorial donation may be made to Midway Chapel. Online condolences may be made at drhendersonfuneralhome.com. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville was in charge of arrangements.