Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely

Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely was born on October 14, 1940, in Pearsall, Texas, to Guy Warner Reed Sr. and Dorcas E. Reed. She earned her bachelor’s degree & taught nursing at St. Philip’s College, where she began her journey of service and devotion. She first married Maurice Deckard, a dedicated military man, with whom she shared a life of duty, travel, and discovery. Together, they lived on bases across the United States and abroad, including a meaningful chapter in England. Later, Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely married Clifton E. Neely Jr., with whom she shared 31 years of marriage grounded in love, faith, resilience, and mutual commitment. Together, they built a life in San Antonio, Texas, walking side by side through seasons of both growth and grace.

Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely proudly served as a Major in the United States Army Reserve, working as a psychiatric nurse. Her deep faith and passion for service led her to lead ministries at both Jones Chapel UMC in Beeville and Albright UMC in San Antonio, Texas, under the guidance of The Las Misiones District UMC, part of the Rio Texas Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, where Bishop Cynthia Fierro Harvey serves as bishop and Rev. Robert Ortiz serves as District Superintendent.

Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely was a trailblazer, strong in spirit and unwavering in her devotion to community service. She volunteered tirelessly at local food banks, provided housing for the less fortunate through her business, Trinity House, and was a founding member of Ernest T. Dixon United Methodist Church, where she also served faithfully in the choir, as an usher, and as a devoted member of the praise team. She touched the lives of hundreds through her ministry, leadership, and acts of compassion.

Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely is survived by her devoted husband, Clifton E. Neely Jr.; her children Monica (Edward Roy) Battles and Mauri A. Isaac; her stepchildren Clifton E. Neely III, MyReo E. (Addie Sue) Neely, and Ludenia E. (Bruce P.) Hevner Jr., as well as a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and countless others who were blessed by her wisdom and love. She was preceded in death by her siblings: Warner Reed Jr., Reginald Reed, Guy Reed, Audrey Thompson, and Elma Knolls, as well as her son, Michael Deckard.

Rev. Myrtle Jo Neely was a phenomenal woman—steadfast in her faith, boundless in her love, and selfless in her service to others. She poured her heart into every life she touched, leaving behind a legacy of grace, strength, and compassion. Though she is no longer with us in body, her spirit lives on—in every kind word spoken, every hand extended in love, and every soul she uplifted. Her absence leaves a deep void, and she will be profoundly missed.

Honorary Pallbearers:

Edward Battles Sr.

Kenneth Deckard

André Battles

Edward Battles Jr.

Zachary Jones

Chase Thomas