Vicki Lynn Neely

Vicki Lynn (LaFollette) Neely of New Albany, IN passed away peacefully on May 23, 2025 at Rivercrest Senior Living in New Albany, IN at the age of 76. She was born on February 22, 1949 in New Albany, IN to Dr. Robert E. LaFollette and Nancy Jane (Peden) LaFollette.
Vicki attended New Albany High School and graduated in 1967 as a class valedictorian. While in high school, Vicki participated in Girls State, where she was voted the most Outstanding Citizen and selected as a delegate to Girls Nation in Washington, DC. She began dating her husband, R. Gregory Neely, during their junior year.
Vicki was a great lover of music. She attended Vanderbilt University and the Indiana University School of Music (now the Jacobs School of Music) where she graduated with honors with a B.A. in music education. She furthered her education by acquiring a M.S. in music education from Butler University.
Vicki spent her 43-year career introducing children to the magic of the musical arts, first as a choir teacher in Speedway, IN for six years and in New Albany-Floyd County, IN for 37 years, where she taught at schools such as Scribner and Highland Hills Middle Schools, and Silver Street and Green Valley Elementary Schools. Many students remember Vicki's infinite kindness and friendly smile.
Vicki's artistic spirit extended beyond music to sewing and gardening, as she loved flowers. She was a volunteer with the Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP), where she helped make flower arrangements for hospice patients.
Vicki was a lifelong member of Trinity United Methodist Church in New Albany, IN. She was a Chancel Choir member for more than 40 years and directed children's choirs. She was also a member of the Quest Sunday school class.
Vicki was a member of Amaranth, a women's literary study club, and Impact 100, a women's philanthropic organization.
Vicki was preceded in death by her parents.
Left to share her memory are her husband of almost 54 years, R. Gregory Neely; her son, Matthew Neely (Lindsey) of Sellersburg, IN; her daughter, Sarah Frank (Nicholas), of Washington, DC; and her five grandchildren, Avery Neely, Collins Neely, Palmer Neely, Asher Frank, and Ethan Frank. Vicki's memory will be cherished by her extended family and friends. They will remember her for her warmth, love, and devotion to her family, and the grace with which she lived her life.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 28 from 2:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Naville & Seabrook Funeral Homes, 1119 E. Market Street in New Albany, IN, and Thursday, May 29 from 9:30 am - 10:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church, 2796 Charlestown Rd, New Albany, IN. A memorial service to honor Vicki's life will be held on Thursday, May 29 at 10:30 am at Trinity United Methodist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or Retired Senior Volunteers Program (RSVP) via Hope Southern Indiana, or gifts of time through volunteer service with St. Croix Hospice.
The family would like to thank the staff of Rivercrest Senior Living and St. Croix Hospice for their care and kindness during Vicki's final days. The family also thanks Visiting Angels for their care.