Linda Neeley

Linda Neeley, beloved aunt, friend, and pillar of the Alvarado community, passed away surrounded by love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived.
Born on December 12, 1941, in Whittier, California, to James Grady Neeley and Maude (Smith) Neeley, Linda spent her early childhood in San Diego, where her father owned and operated a grocery store and gas station. In 1951, the family moved to Alvarado, Texas, where Grady and Maude purchased Mason's Gas House and became a familiar face in the community-a tradition of service and connection that Linda would carry on throughout her life.
Linda grew up with a love for cooking, baking, international travel, and snorkeling, but above all, she cherished her hometown of Alvarado. A proud Alvarado High School graduate of the Class of 1959, she served as drum major of the marching band for three years and remained a dedicated supporter of the band and local students for decades to come.
After high school, Linda attended Texas Christian University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in 1964, followed by a Master's degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1967 and a Juris Doctor from Baylor Law School in 1972.
During her time at UT Austin, Linda was a member of the Longhorn Marching Band. Her love for the university and the friendships she made there remained with her always. She continued to stay connected through alumni band events and games, which became a cherished tradition she often shared with her nephews.
Linda spent more than 50 years practicing Family and Real Estate law in Johnson County, where she was known for her fairness, dedication, and genuine care for her clients and neighbors. She also became a licensed real estate broker later in her career, always seeking new ways to serve her community.
Deeply devoted to Alvarado, Linda was first elected to the Alvarado ISD School Board in 1986 and went on to serve for more than 30 years, offering her time and expertise to help strengthen local education. She also served on the Hill College Board and supported many local organizations and initiatives. Her generosity and commitment to education led her to fund college scholarships for students through the First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, where she was a faithful and active member.
Linda's life was defined by service-to her community, her church family, her profession, and her family. She will be remembered for her warmth, humor, generosity, and unwavering civic spirit.
Linda is survived by her beloved nephews and niece: Richard Alan Neeley, Bryan Jay Neeley, Brandon Garrick Helm, Colin Neeley Helm, Blake Dickason Helm, Benjamin Russel Young, and Kristina Lynn Broussard, along with numerous grand-nieces and grand-nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, James Roger Neeley; her sister, Mary Jane Young; and her nephew, James Michael Neeley.
She will be remembered with deep love and gratitude by her family, friends, and the countless lives she touched.
Flowers or plants may be sent to Clayton Kay Vaughan Funeral home in Alvarado or if you wish to honor Linda's legacy you are invited to contribute to her college scholarship fund at the First United Methodist Church of Alvarado, continuing her lifelong mission of supporting local students.
Scholarship donations may be sent through the mail to:
FUMC Alvarado
P.O. Box 364
Alvarado, TX 76009
(Please note "College Scholarship" on the memo line.)
Scholarship donations may also be given online. Copy and paste this link in your browser to give online: https://tithe.ly/give_new/www/#/tithely/give-one-time/5339184
Enter an amount, select "other" on the pulldown menu, enter the needed information, and write "college scholarship" in the memo line.
The memorial service will be held at the First United Methodist Church of Alvarado and livestreamed on the church website if you're unable to join in person. Copy and paste this link in your browser to watch: https://www.youtube.com/live/HO_pBenUL40?si=OBRU218XHQwZkXI8
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