Della Mae (Adkins) Neeley

Della Mae Adkins Neeley

Della Mae Adkins Neeley, 77, of Presidential Blvd., Shelby, died Monday morning, August 21, in Crestwood Care Center, Shelby, following a brief illness. She has now started her new life in heaven with her Savior, Jesus Christ. Della was born Nov. 19, 1928 near West Liberty, KY, the daughter of the late Elwood and Nannie (Ferguson) Adkins. She spent her first 50 years in Kentucky as a farmer and homemaker, moving to Shelby 28 years ago following the death of her first husband, William Kenneth Cravens. On January 12, 1980, she married Marion Neeley who preceded her in death April 1, 2006. Together they enjoyed camping, gardening, their church family, and the fellowship of the Richland Mall walkers. She was a member of the Tiro United Baptist Church, the Ladies Aid, served as a deacon’s wife, and was responsible for sending flowers from the church.

She is survived by 5 brothers and wives: Rev. S. T. & Betty Adkins, Earl & Rose Adkins, John & Karen Adkins, Robert & Genivieve Adkins, and Rev. Gary & Joyce Adkins, all of Shelby; 4 sisters and husbands: Mary & Jim Amburgy, Wanda & Clyde Manning all of Middletown; Claris Kemplin of Crestline, and Phyllis & Larry Hamons of Attica and many nieces, nephews and cousins. 1 step-daughter: Phyllis Keene of Willard, 2 step-sons and daughter-in-law: Harold & Diane Neeley of Calhoun, GA, and Ronald & Linda Neeley of Shelby, 11 step-grandchildren; 18 step-great-grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her first husband, William Kenneth Cravens in 1976, her second husband Marion L. Neeley in 2006, 2 sisters: Dorothy Steele and Carol Adkins; 1 brother: Darrell Adkins; 2 brothers-in-law: Ed Kemplin and Charles Steele; and step-son-in-law: William Keene.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 24th at 11:00 AM in Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, conducted by her brother, Rev. S.T. Adkins and her Pastor, Rev. Merlyn Dye. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery, Shelby. Friends may call Wednesday, August 23, from 5-8 PM in the funeral home and 1 hour prior to services on Thursday. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tiro United Baptist Church, 5205 State Route 39, Tiro, OH 44887.