Maude Irene (Stewart) McNeely

Mrs. Maude Irene Stewart McNeely, 102, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on July 26, 2015 at the Gordon Hospice House.                 She was born on October 19, 1912 to the late E.F. and Lola Byers Stewart. She was married to Hoyt W. McNeely on December 24, 1934. He preceded her in death on February 24, 1975. She attended Celeste Henkel School. In her early years she worked for The Government Printing Office in Washington DC. She was a seamstress and sold the World Book Encyclopedia for over 30 years. She loved bowling in a league, especially with her best friend “Red” Walker. She was a lifelong member of New Sterling ARP Church where she was a former Sunday School Teacher. She was a strong and faithful Christian woman, who loved her family dearly.                 Along with her parents and husband, she was also preceded in death by a son, Ronald McNeely, brothers, Everett, Murray, Blake, Parks, Rich and Arch Stewart and sisters, Myrt Miller and Margaret Ward. Also a grandson, Alan McNeely and daughter-in-law, Peggy McNeely.                 Those left to cherish her memory are her sons, Blake McNeely, Lynn McNeely and wife, Debbie, who was her loving caregiver. Along with six grandchildren, five great great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.                 Graveside funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 28, 2015 at New Sterling ARP Church. The family will visit with friends at the church from 10:00-10:30. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.                 In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Iredell County, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.                 Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Maude McNeely.