Mary Elaine McNeely

Mrs. Mary Elaine Morace McNeely, 83, left this earth quietly and wrapped in love on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at her home in Deville. She was born on September 23, 1942, in Marksville, Louisiana. She married her one and only love, Jimmy Wayne McNeely, at the young age of 14, and together they shared sixty-eight beautiful years of marriage, until his passing in June of this year.
Mary spent her early years as a homemaker, raising their two daughters and son. Once the kids were grown, she decided to chase a dream of her own. She went to beauty school and became a cosmetologist, eventually opening her own in-home beauty shop.
Mary found joy in shopping, especially thrift stores and garage sales. She loved to read, never turned down a plate of fried fish, always kept a fully stocked candy bowl, and never missed an episode of Wheel of Fortune. Casinos and slot machines were her guilty pleasure, and she embraced every bit of life that brought her joy.
The camp at Little River was her home away from home and her favorite place to make memories, fishing and spending time with friends and family.
Her greatest joy, though, was always her family. She loved them fiercely and was the most devoted and proud Mawmaw to her grandkids and great-grandbabies.
She loved her family without limits. Every birthday, every holiday, every excuse to gather brought her immense joy. Family wasn't just important to her. It was the center of her world.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Dora Moreau Morace Beauboeuf and William Gillespie Morace, Sr.; stepfather, Cleve Beauboeuf; brothers, John Charles Morace and William Gillespie Morace, Jr.; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, and cousins.
She is survived by her daughters, Nannette Brouillette and Collette Clanton; son-in-law, Skip Clanton, who was far more than just family by marriage; son, Michael McNeely (Julia); grandchildren, Tyson Clanton (Gina), Dore Fletcher, Jacob Clanton (Melissa), Molly McNeely Smith, and Hunter McNeely; great-grandchildren, Jackson Clanton, Brayden Phillips, Addison Clanton, Brody Phillips, Brock Fletcher, Madison Porter, John Scott Porter, Alexis Haney, Brantley Haney, and Jace Smith; brothers-in-law, Alvin Lee McNeely II and Billy Ray McNeely; and special lifelong friend, Shirley Woodson.
Per her and Jimmy's wishes, there will be no formal services. Their ashes will be laid to rest together in a private family burial at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Cemetery.
Her family would like to thank Compassionate Care Hospice, especially Tahnee Perry, Karen, Dom, and Q, for the love and care they provided.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Mary's honor.
"To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven."
Ecclesiastes 3:1
All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Rush Funeral Home, Pineville, LA
Friends may post online messages of condolences for the McNeely family by visiting www.rushfh.com