Mary Etta (Murchison) McNeill

Mary McNeill, of 801 Harkey Rd., Sanford, NC passed on Sunday, January 27, 2019 at her residence.

Mary Etta Leigh “May Belle & Totsy” Murchison McNeill, passed at her residence on January 27, 2019 at the age of 95.  She was born from the union of David Roland Murchison and Etta Dunham Murchison on March 4, 1923 in the Ramsey Street area of Fayetteville, North Carolina.  She is the last of eleven children; her siblings and her parents having preceded her in death.  Being orphaned at 5 years of age, Mary and her brother were left as charges of their aunt Leola Gant, assisted by their grand aunt and uncle, Thomas and Roxanna Dunham.

Mary accepted Jesus as her personal savior and was a faithful member of Walk By Faith Christian Center in Cameron, North Carolina.  As a Christian servant, she served in many capacities of the ministry, but will be fondly remembered as the epitome of the biblical “Church Mother”, lovingly caring for and guiding her church family.

Mary’s early education was received at Ridgeway School in Swanns Station, North Carolina and later at E.E. Smith High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina, where she obtained her high school diploma as a member of the graduating class of 1943.  She cherished this accomplishment and strongly encouraged those around her to go further, especially her children.

Mary began her work career in 1962, serving in various capacities as a civilian employee for the military base at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.  She retired in 1989, receiving commendations as an exemplary employee at the conclusion of her 30 plus years of service.

Mary married James Alonzo McNeill; a union that spanned over 36 years producing 8 children.  Life lessons have been passed on to Mary’s kids.  Her firstborn child and eldest son, Percy James McNeill (surviving spouse, Sylvia) predeceases her.  Surviving children include her son, Harry S. McNeill, of Sanford, NC and a step-son, Ronnie Chalmers (Almarie) of Charlotte, NC; daughters, Beverley Prince (James) and Yvonne Allen of Sanford, NC, Cynthia Clark (Steve) and Ramona McNeill of Fayetteville, NC, and Malina Woods (Carl) of London, England.  Through her offspring, Mary has been blessed with 21 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends at 7186 Villanow Dr, Sanford, NC,  Friday, February 1, 2019 from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m

Arrangements By: Knotts Funeral Home, Sanford