Our beloved “Mander” left this life that she so vibrantly lived for 95 plus years and went to be with her Lord and Savior, May 30, 2015. She was the last sibling of a significant Hardin County family.
Family and friends will remember “Mander” for her unshakeable faith in Jesus Christ. She made everyone feel welcome in her church and home. She will also be remembered for her unconditional love, wisdom, generosity, dedication and loyalty to her church and family. Her consistent message of the importance of family and faithfulness to God is imprinted on her heirs and will echo for generations to come.
She was a fixture at Kountze High sporting events when her granddaughters were Lionettes and where her son in law became a basketball coaching legend. At Barbers Hill High School Mander became her great granddaughters biggest fan. She cheered zealously at the music events. Her favorite part at athletic events was singing and dancing the “I’m So Glad I Go to Barbers Hill” song. And I might add better than anyone in the stadium.
No one could have cared more for her family. She single handedly tended to her invalid parents and in laws. She “mothered” her daughter as well as her granddaughters, nephews and nieces. She also nursed everyone that had surgery or babies. And if they needed a meal and a clean bed to sleep in; they knew they had one at Mander’s house. She always thought of everyone except herself. She touched MANY lives. She was truly the matriarch of the McNeely family.
She was preceded in death by her parents Sid & Henrietta McNeely. Her husband, Guy Heath and her infant grand daughter, Stephanie. Seven brothers Clyde, Ellis, Buck, Jay, Clarence, Edgar, and Arnold "Shorty.” Three sisters Atha Dubbison, Gertie Sarver, and Ermine “Sis” Holland.
She is survived by her daughter and son-in law Sandy and Willie Wilson, 2 granddaughters Stacy Bailey and husband Rick as well as Ashley Gilmore and her husband Galynn. The light of her life in recent years were her great grandchildren Alyssa Bailey and Marley Gilmore. Mander also leaves behind 2 adopted daughters, Sherrie Leach and Lisa Read as well as an “eighth” brother H. K. Pitts. Also left to cherish her memories are her numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
Special thanks to her beloved niece Pam and husband Hicks and her dear friend, Sherrie for their support during her final hospital stay. Also we wish to express our gratitude to the caregivers at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont for their exceptional care.
