Janet Marie Neill

Janet Goldwater Neill, 83, of Tyler, Texas, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy defined by grace, generosity, steadfast faith, and an unyielding love for her family.
Janet was born in Tyler on August 4, 1942, to Frank P. and Margie Ruth Goldwater. She attended Tyler schools and graduated from John Tyler High in 1960. She married Marshall Neill in August 1960 and they had 3 children, Greg, Lee Ann, and Robert.
Janet was a woman whose presence could warm a room and whose elegance was unmistakable. She was the epitome of a "Southern Living" lady-refined, compassionate, talented, and always ready to make life a little more beautiful for those around her.
A devoted member of Whitehouse Methodist Church for many decades, Janet poured her heart into its ministries. She was especially committed to the Nomad project, where her faith and servant's spirit found expression through hands-on work and heartfelt connection throughout the United States. Her church family was an extension of her own, and she approached every mission, meeting, and fellowship gathering with enthusiasm, humility, and purpose.
Janet's primary career was raising her children, but later in life she worked for years at a local kitchen and bath shop, sharing her creative spirit and decorating style with the Tyler community. In retirement, Janet and her beloved husband, Marshall, embarked on adventures across the country. Together they traveled with curiosity and joy, collecting memories, new friendships, and countless stories along the way. Their bond-equal parts partnership, friendship, and devotion-was an inspiration to all who knew them.
Of all her proudest accomplishments, nothing compared to her love for her six grandchildren. Janet was their greatest cheerleader-traveling across Texas and "Up North" to watch them perform, compete, graduate, and shine in their milestone moments. Whether she was sitting in a crowded auditorium, cheering from stadium bleachers, or smiling from the front row of a ceremony, her pride was radiant and unwavering. She celebrated each grandchild's passions as though they were her own.
Janet also possessed a remarkable gift for beauty. Her yard burst with color and care, a reflection of the attention she gave to all living things. Her impeccable sense of style-timeless, polished, and distinctly hers-became one of her quiet signatures. She had an innate ability to transform simple, ordinary items into something lovely, meaningful, and memorable. As a hostess, she was unmatched. From small gatherings on the backyard deck with close friends to large celebrations, Janet welcomed family, friends, and neighbors with warmth, thoughtful details, and the kind of hospitality that made people feel cherished.
Her life was one of intention, kindness, and creativity. Janet Goldwater Neill leaves behind a family who adored her, a community made better by her presence, and countless moments of beauty stitched lovingly into the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing her.
Her legacy is one of grace lived fully, love shared generously, and faith carried with quiet strength. She will be deeply missed and forever treasured.
Janet is survived by her husband, Marshall; her children, Greg (Kris) Neill, Marble Falls, TX; Lee Ann (James) Barnhardt, Bismarck, ND; and Robert (Jackie) Neill, Austin, TX; her grandchildren Madison (Patrick Shin) Neill, Austin (Nora) Barnhardt; Connor Neill, Erin (Joey Larkin) Barnhardt, Caitlin Neill and Mason Neill; her brothers, Sam Goldwater and John Goldwater; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her parents, her siblings, Patsy Lewis, Phillip Goldwater, Frank P. Goldwater, Jr. and Steven Goldwater; and her special niece Debra Lewis Weaver.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to the Patsy Goldwater Lewis/ Debra Lewis Weaver Scholarship at Tyler Junior College. Contributions can be made online at giveto.TJC.edu/patsy.
To donate by check, make it out to TJC Foundation and write Goldwater/Lewis Scholarship in the memo line. Send checks to: Tyler Junior College Office of Institutional Advancement, P.O. Box 9020, Tyler, TX 75711.