Dixie Neel

Dixie Irene Warren Neel, age 94, went home to Jesus on September 2, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. A long-time resident of Gatesville, Miss Dixie was a precious, sweet lady who was beloved by many for her beautiful nature, kindness, and warmth. She was a wife and a mother first and foremost, and her dedication to her family and friends was a blessing to the many who knew and loved her. She was a devoted Christian and loved to talk about the blessings of God in her life. Many friends and family members have benefited from her wisdom, advice, and encouragement.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 10, at Scott's Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Restland Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, September 9 at the funeral home.

Born June 19, 1931, in Arnett, Texas, to Jeff and Oma Warren, Dixie grew up and lived her whole life in the Gatesville area. On February 15, 1947, she married her beloved husband, Johnny Neel. Her early married years were spent making a home for her husband and their three children: Lainey, Bubba, and Jeffery. When her youngest, Jeffery, began school, then Dixie worked outside their home – first in the junior high cafeteria, where she formed life-long friendships with her co-workers as well as the kids and teachers. Later she worked several years at Anchor Plastics building deck boats. She also worked for the Texas Youth Council. After that, she worked in a plant nursery. She had a green thumb so this job fit her perfectly, and she loved it. She worked there until she retired.

Dixie was preceded in death by her husband Johnny; parents Jeff and Oma Warren; brothers, Ausborn and Jimmy, and wife Linda; sisters, Evelyn Neel, and husband Sammie, Eva Teat, Sandra Watts, Barbara Watts, and baby sister Carolyn Warren; grandson, Jason Neel; niece, Patsy Puckett; and great nephew, Barton (“Tater”) Warren.

She is survived by her three children and their spouses: Elaine Wells (Jim), Bubba Neel (Lynda), and Jeffery Rhea (Fred); brother Richard Warren; brother-in-law Jerry Watts; special niece/caregiver JoAnn Lujan; granddaughters Brandie Wallace (Chris) and Billie Wells; grandsons Taylor Rhea (Lisa) and Travis Lucas (Liz), great-grandsons Dalton Woodall (Jaden), Gill Wallace, Marty Wallace, Tyler Lucas; great-granddaughter Shelby Rhea; and great-great-granddaughter Autumn Woodall, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and extended family members.