Lillian Neely, 87, of Newport, passed away on March 6, 2024, in her hometown. Born on March 5, 1938, in Pennington, AR, to Mike and Agnes (Pharis) Williams, Lillian’s life was marked by her unwavering faith in the Church of Christ. She found joy in simple pleasures, cherishing moments spent sewing and watching the peaceful grazing and playful antics of cows and horses.
Lillian’s life was intertwined with love and loss. She was preceded in death by her parents, Mike and Agnes Williams, brothers, L.G. Williams and Sam Williams, and sister Virginia Williams; as well as first husband, Hoover Goodman, and second husband, Paul Neely.
Those who knew Lillian will remember her for her gentle spirit, kindness, and devotion to her beliefs. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched and the memories she created. As she departs this life, she leaves behind a legacy of faith, love, and quiet strength that will continue to inspire those who knew her. Lillian’s presence will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.
She is survived by her son; Jimmy (Muggs) Goodman and wife Margaret of Newport, one step son; Larry Neely and wife Edith of Pleasant Plains, two step daughters; Linda Hesse and husband Jim of Weiner, Shirley Mack and husband Jimmy of Weiner, one brother; Paul Williams and wife Ann of Grubbs, one sister; Ruth McElrath and husband Wayne of Grubbs, one grandson; Gary Goodman and wife Donna of Melbourne, eight step grandchildren; Kendall Neely of pleasant Plains, Kraig Neely (Deann) of Pleasant Plains, Kim Evans and husband Keely of Pleasant Plains, Mike Kinard and wife Tara of Jonesboro, Kip Hesse and wife Pamela of Jonesboro, Zach Hesse of Weiner, Brad Mack of Fisher, Brian Mack and wife Kelly of Weiner, three great grandchildren; Martin Goodman of Newport, Taylor Weaver of Melbourne, Avery Goodman of Melbourne, eleven step great grandchildren; Kylann Evins and wife Kourtnee of Paragould, Kannon Stevens and wife Cameron of Pleasant Plains, Kennedy Neely of Weiner, Kaysen Neely of Weiner, Jesse Kinard of Jonesboro, Luke Kinard of Jonesboro, Jadyn Hesse of Weiner, Cal Hesse of Weiner, Dr. Kamri Herndon of Weiner, Kessler Mack of Fisher, Kaci Reaves and husband Spencer of Germany, two great great grandchildren; Rylan White, Mia Goodman, eight step great great grandchildren; Kymber Evins, Kambrie Evins, Drake Stevens, Kaidyn Stevens, Kaisley stevens, Karsyn Stevens, Charley Herndon, and Henry Herndon.
Funeral services will be at 2:00 on Friday, March 8, at the Dillinger Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Ballew’s Chapel Cemetery. Visitation will be from 1:00 till service time.
