Cleone Irene Neill

CHARLOTTE – With both profound sadness and gratitude for her full and purposeful life, we share that Cleone Irene Blair Neill, 87, of Charlotte, NC, finished her race on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on December 1, 1938, in Winnsboro, SC to William E. Blair and Cleone McMeekin Blair, Cleone grew up on Biltmore Drive. She was a proud 1957 graduate of Myers Park High School who always enjoyed attending reunion events with lifelong friends. After attending Meredith College in Raleigh, NC, she graduated from Queens College in Charlotte. Cleone advocated for those in need while employed at the Mecklenburg County Welfare Department, then worked at North Carolina National Bank, and as a devoted homemaker.

As a faithful lifelong member of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, where she married David M. Neill in 1970, Cleone continued to worship with Stephanie, Rob, Sarah Blair, and David, bringing her much joy while sharing her commitment to a Christ-centered life with them.

Beautiful and athletic, Cleone played golf and tennis in her younger years at Myers Park CC and the Surf Club. She cheered for Davidson, ACC teams, the Panthers, at her grandchildren's games and races, and most enthusiastically supported Stephanie's golf career and Wake Forest.

Gathering with family to celebrate holidays, birthdays and weddings brought Cleone great joy, as did a delicious steak dinner. Always ready to go, she traveled to many European and Caribbean destinations over the course of her life, but her favorite trips consisted of precious moments with family in North Myrtle Beach, SC, and Blowing Rock, NC. As a proud American, she treasured the traditional family Fourth of July festivity at Sixpence, complete with children's parade, patriotic songs, barbecue, and beach time.

Cleone was always quick to offer a hug and hear the latest news, making everyone in her presence feel appreciated and loved. Her radiant smile, sincere interest and kind encouragement will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her cherished husband, David M. Neill, and brother, Thomas E. Blair.

Cleone is survived by her beloved daughter, Stephanie Neill Harner (Rob) and her adoring grandchildren, Sarah Blair Harner and David Woodrow Harner. She is also survived by nephews Michael E. Blair (Betsy) and Todd M. Blair.

Cleone was blessed with a blended family who loved her deeply and were a constant part of her life. She was preceded in death by daughter, Kathy Neill Herran (Peter); surviving daughters include Libby Neill Sturgis (Gerald) and Allison Neill Richardson (David), as well as grandchildren, David Herran (Lisa), Cannon Herran Hunt (Charlie), Forrest Sturgis (Sara), Mark Sturgis (Colby), Alex Sturgis (Melanie), Kate Richardson Highly (Seth), and Beth Richardson; and twelve great-grandchildren.

A memorial service to celebrate Cleone's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, March 27, 2026, at Myers Park Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. The service will be livestreamed through the church website at: https://myersparkpres.org/live/ for those unable to attend in person.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte, NC 28207 or VIA Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.