Margaret L. Neely

Margaret Lucille Neely, 94, of Petersburg, Virginia passed away Saturday, December 28, 2024. Born November 15, 1930, in Richmond, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late Addie Gertrude Cheek and James Henry Cheek. She was also preceded in death by her husband, John Herbert Neely, Sr; sisters, Beatrice Payne, Louise Horton, and Addie Cheek; brothers, Richard Cheek, Junior Cheek, and Ralph Cheek; and children, Sharon Radcliff, Dennis Neely, and Sherry Stewart. 

She was a woman of many talents, a testament to her vibrant and creative spirit. She was a skilled seamstress, dedicating ten years of her life to working in a sewing factory. Margaret was also a talented crafter and had a gift for music. She played a 12-string guitar in her own band, delighting in sharing her love of music with others.

Above all, Margaret’s greatest love was her children. A magnificent mother, she was both nurturing and firm, guiding her 10 children through life with love, discipline, and wisdom. In addition to raising her own children, Margaret extended her love and care to a young woman who tragically lost both of her parents. Margaret welcomed her into her heart and home, offering the same maternal support and affection she gave to her own children.

In her later years, Margaret worked as an assistant manager at a U-Totem store, where she was known for her strong work ethic and dedication. Prior to that, she spent 13 years working as a bus driver for St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Petersburg, Virginia. 

Margaret is survived by her sister, Christine Barker; children, Rose Whittingham, Sandra Morrison, Bonnie White, Beverly Bartholamue, David Neely, and Michelle Helsel; stepson, John Neely Jr; grandchildren, Margaret, Barbara, Suzie, Robin, Crystal, Tonya, Shawn, Edwin (Buzzy), Derek, Colin, Margarita, Medea, Jason, Alex, Nick, Demitra, Athena, Ray, Shannon, Jessica, Ralph, Ellen, Adrienne, Gary, Mary Ann, Laura Beth, Daniel, Renee, Mariah, Cheyenne, Chris, and Jennifer; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and many other extended family members. 

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, Virginia., with Reverend Wayne Williams officiating. Interment will follow at Southlawn Memorial Park, S. Prince George, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, January 5, 2025, at the funeral home.  Flowers are welcome, or a contribution may be made to St. Jude’s’s Children Research Hospital, https://www.stjude.org.