Mrs. Josie Lee Paul McNeeley, age 92 of LaFollette passed away, Thursday, December 28, 2023.  Affectionately named “Miss Josie” by so many who loved her, she was a devoted and charter member of New Horizon Baptist Church where she was very active in the ladies sewing group.  Mrs. Josie took great pride in her sewing and crocheting and was so proud of creating over 130 owls and countless neck pillows by hand for children. The smiles on the faces of children when they received their handmade owl that was meticulously made and designed by hand was a true highlight for her. In her later years, Miss Josie certainly lived a life of adventure, from riding a motorcycle to co-piloting an airplane.  Although her stay at the nursing home was brief, Miss Josie made many new friends and re-united with old friends during her time there. At times there would be as many as five other patients in her room visiting, laughing, and talking. Her eyesight never failed her, and would thread needles for many of the other patients so that they could sew with her.  She was faithful to read her Bible and enjoyed singing hymns. She had a great love of reading and through those pages, traveled all over the United States and the world.  Miss Josie loved to color and even though she wasn’t feeling well, she colored and gifted her latest masterpiece to her daughter for Christmas.  She devoted her life to serving and assisting others, and was always willing to help someone in need.  In 1951, she met her soulmate, Clyde McNeeley, and were married for 58 years before his passing in 2009.  Together, she and Clyde had four children, whom they loved with all their hearts.  In addition to her Husband, she is preceded in death by Parents, William R. and Cora Paul, two loving sons, Charles E. McNeeley and William Paul (Bill) McNeeley, Grandson, William Kenneth McNeeley, Great-Grandson, Noah Lee McNeeley, and was the last surviving sibling of 10, including Brothers, Ed, Bob and George Paul, and Sisters, Carrie White, Elsie Goins, Edith Sweat, Della Summers, Ann Wilson, and Lois Wilson.

Survivors: Son, Kenneth C. McNeeley and wife, Sheila; Daughter, Karen McNeeley Brown and husband, Chris; Daughter-in-law, Debra K. McNeeley; Grandchildren, John McNeeley and wife, Tegan, Brent McNeeley and wife, Ashlie, Derek McNeeley and wife, Yessica, Cory McNeeley, Kendra St. John and husband, Spenser, Tyler Johnson and wife, Polly, Adam Johnson, Ashley Williams and husband, Chris; Great-Grandchildren, Connor McNeeley, Ava McNeeley, Maleigha Hicks, Aubrey Johnson, Harper McNeeley, Kingsley and Everly McNeeley; Great-Grandchildren at heart, Dominic Hicks, Lucas and Carley Williams; Numerous Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, other relatives and friends whom she loved dearly.

Special Friends, Genella Sweat, Charlotte and Joe Snodderly, Peggy Scott, and so many other dear friends, and her New Horizon Baptist Church Family

A special thank you to the Staff at LaFollette Health and Rehab for the love and care they have shown our mother during her stay, It will certainly never be forgotten. “Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.” – Proverbs 31:31.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 2, 2024, from 4:00 – 7:00 P.M. at New Horizon Baptist Church, 2977 Gen. Carl W. Stiner Hwy., LaFollette, TN 37766.  Funeral Services will follow at 7:00 P.M. with Bro. Paul Cordell and Rev. Steve Evans officiating.  Family and friends will meet Wednesday, January 3, 2024, 10:30 A.M. at Walters Funeral Home and proceed to Powell Valley Cemetery for 11:00 A.M. Graveside Services and Interment. Although our hearts are saddened, we at Walters Funeral Home are honored to be serving the family of our beloved Mother-in-law, Grandmother, and friend, Josie Lee Paul McNeeley.

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