Dianne McNeill Power

Dianne McNeill Power passed away peacefully on November 24, 2025 at her home in Surfside Beach, SC after a battle with cancer.

Dianne was born on May 1, 1954 and was the daughter of the late Neal and Joan McNeill. She was a graduate of Clinton High School, Class of 1972. She attended North Greenville College and graduated from Lander University in Greenwood, SC.

She was an elementary school teacher at Laurens District 56 and Charleston County Schools for 29 years before she retired. However her greatest love was playing the piano and organ.

She was involved in church music her entire life. After her family moved to Clinton as a teenager and they joined First Baptist Church she was always involved with the music programs. Later she served as Organist at Broad Street Methodist Church in Clinton for several years. After moving to the Charleston area with her family in 2000, she played at several churches but her longest tenure was the organist and choir director at Trinity United Methodist Church in downtown Charleston until she retired.

Dianne is survived by her husband of 50 years, Tim. Her family, James Power, Jr (Denver, Co.), Neely Shepheard (Michael),Socastee, SC, Austin Power (New York City) and Landon Power of the home. Her brothers, Neal (Tammy) of Savannah,Ga, Joey (Darlene) of Bassett, Va, Jim (Lois) of Laurens, SC, and her sister Mary Shell (Ricky) of Laurens, SC. Also her Brother/sister in law, Brian and Mary Beth Shealy (Clinton, SC) and sister in law, Amy Power (Mesa, Az). Plus her wonderful grandchildren that she loved so much, Allie and Brinley Shepheard , and Aubrie Power (St Louis, Mo).

In addition to her parents, Dianne is preceded in death by a son, Martin Power, her in laws Harold and Betty Power, and her brother in law, Stan Power (Mesa, Az).

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00 PM at Clinton First Baptist Church with Rev. Dr. Blake Harwell officiating. The family will greet friends following the service in the fellowship hall. 

Condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.grayfuneralhome.com 

Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is honored to assist the Power family with services.