Sarah C. Neeley

Sarah C. Neeley, age 90, passed away peacefully on 12/25/16 after enduring Alzheimer’s disease for over 12 years. Born in Corning, Arkansas she eventually married Melvin C. Neeley and moved to Florida where she began her career as an educator in 1956. While raising her family and working full time she obtained both her Bachelor and Master degrees. Sarah was a teacher and an administrator for the Leon County School System and developed the first Gifted Program in Leon County. She was the Program Manager and Principal for the Gifted Program for 12 years. Sarah resigned to take care of her husband who developed Alzheimer’s disease. Always the advocate for others, she volunteered and was on the Board of Directors of the Tallahassee Senior Center, Tallahassee Women’s Club, and Elder Care Services. Sarah was the 1987 Woman of the Year. Also, Sarah was past president of American Business Women’s Association, and a Lobbyist for Alzheimer’s Care Program. In 1993, she helped start the first Alzheimer’s unit in north Florida, the Florida State Hospital, Alzheimer’s Special Unit, for which she received the Davis Productivity Award from Florida Tax Watch. In 2001, Sarah received the “Many Faces of Aging” Silver Star Award from the Tallahassee Senior Center, Area Agency on Aging for North Florida, and the Tallahassee Democrat.

She is predeceased by her husband, Melvin C. Neeley, her son, Alan T. Neeley, and her brother, Harry Collins.

She is survived by her daughter, Vangie Neeley (Philippe Eversdijk, spouse) of Safety Harbor, Florida; sister, Nellie Tucker of Riverbank, California; grandchildren, Rachel Marshall, Trent Marshall, Jason Neeley (Lisa), Cody Neeley (Haley), Seth Neeley, and great-grandson, Alexander Neeley.

A viewing will be held on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at 2:00 pm, followed by a funeral service. Both will take place at Culley’s MeadowWood Funeral Home, 1737 Riggins Road in Tallahassee.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Project, Tallahassee, Florida.