Elizabeth Evans Neely

May 5, 1940 – May 14, 2017

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.

Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it."

-Van Goethe

Elizabeth “Betsey” Neely, 77, native of Elmira, New York, and longtime resident of Atlanta, Georgia passed away, Sunday, May 14, 2017 in her home in Buckhead. Betsey was born May 5, 1940 in Elmira, New York to Pierre and Marion Evans. She was the eldest of two daughters.

Betsey attended Syracuse University, where she received her B.A. in Political Science in 1962, followed by her J.D. from Emory Law School in 1967. As a member of the Younger Lawyers Section of the State Bar of Georgia, Betsey was instrumental in the creation of the Georgia Legal Services Program in 1971. A highly skilled practicing attorney, Betsey served as Associate Vice Chancellor for Legal Affairs at the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia for 27 years. During her service as counsel, she developed a statewide conflict resolution program which became the model for universities worldwide. In 2013, she received the “Champion of Justice” Award from the Georgia Legal Services Program.

Upon her retirement, Betsey pursued interests in mental health, counseling and dispute resolution. She received M.A. in Professional Counseling from Argosy University in 2009 and Life Coach Certification from the Life Coach Institute of Orange County CA in 2011. Betsey used the wisdom and skills developed from counseling, teaching and law to develop a unique business, In Your Wildest Dreams LLC, where she counseled clients through major life transitions.

When she wasn’t out saving the world, Betsey enjoyed travel, the symphony, independent films and being a grandmother.

Betsey is survived by her three loving children, Jeff Neely and his wife, Trista; John Neely and girlfriend, Susan McKelvey; and Jennifer Neely, all of Atlanta; her three grandchildren, Caitlin, Madison, and Trinity; her sister, Sally Vickery of Huntsville, AL; her nieces and nephew, Cherie Ferguson and her husband, John of Cumming, GA; Kathie Rooker and her husband, Bill of Huntsville, AL; and Chris Gray of Atlanta, GA.

A memorial service will be held at H.M. Patterson & Son-Spring Hill Chapel, 1020 Spring Street NW in Atlanta on May 27, 2017 at noon. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betsey’s name to the National Alliance on Mental Illness.