Mrs. Dorris June Neef

Dorris June Neef, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 100, surrounded by the love of her family.

Born on April 25, 1925, in St. Louis, Missouri, Dorris lived a rich and adventurous life that took her to many corners of the world. Throughout her century, from St. Louis, Missouri, to Evergreen, Colorado, and from the shores of California to her time living abroad on the Ashiya Airforce Base in Japan, she embraced every place she called home - including Long Beach, Burbank, Wichita Falls, Mount Ida, Bossier City, Port Arthur, Montgomery, and Beaumont, Texas. No matter where she lived, Dorris brought warmth, charm, and a spirited personality that made her unforgettable. She had a gift for making friends easily and never met a stranger. She was always known as the social butterfly that loved gatherings, chatting away with a drink in her hand.

Dorris was deeply devoted to her family. She was the loving wife of the late Arthur Neef for sixty years, and the proud mother of her only child, Dennis Neef, and his wife Deborah. Her granddaughters and their husbands, Wendy and Casey Daigle, and Denise and James Fiore, brought her joy and companionship, especially in her later years. She adored her great-grandchildren, Hannah Greenberg, Henry Daigle, and Rhett Daigle. And she was lovingly cared for by her niece, Peggy Rowlett, in her last years.

A lifelong dog lover, Dorris was rarely without the faithful companionship of a beloved pet by her side. From terriers to chihuahuas and poodles, she cared for many dogs throughout her life and even named them the same names over the years. She also extended that love of animals to two miniature donkeys at her home in Montgomery. She also enjoyed spending her time volunteering with the Aurora Sertoma Service League Chapter in Port Arthur.

She recently celebrated her 100th birthday with her family- a joyful milestone that was honored by the City of Beaumont, where she was proudly awarded a Key to the City from Mayor Roy West in recognition of her vibrant spirit.

Dorris June Neef lived with deep love, loyalty, and humor. She leaves behind a legacy of kindness and strength that will live on through all who were lucky enough to know her.

Survivors include her son, Dennis Neef and his wife, Deborah, of Beaumont; grandchildren, Wendy Daigle and her husband, Casey, of Beaumont, and Denise Neef-Fiore and her husband, James, of Beaumont; great-grandchildren, Hannah Greenberg, Henry Daigle, and Rhett Daigle; niece, Pat Cooper and her husband Bob, of Fenton, Missouri; and niece and longtime care giver, Peggy Rowlett of Beaumont.

Dorris is preceded in death by her parents, Nell Vest and Charles Denny, and husband, Arthur R. Neef.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or disabled veterans of America, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, Ohio 45250.

A gathering of Mrs. Neef's family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Thursday, August 14, 2025, at Broussard's, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. Her cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard's Crematorium.