Anna Geraldine Neeley

July 10, 1935 – March 23, 2026

Leanna Geraldine Louise Zirlott Neeley—her beautiful, full name—was lovingly known as Anna by her family and friends. She passed peacefully on March 23, 2026, after a life devoted to her faith, her family, and the quiet, enduring work of creating a warm, loving, and well-kept home for those she cherished.

She was born on July 10, 1935, in Mobile, Alabama, to Phelan and Lucy Viola Clarke Zirlott. One of ten children, Anna was an Alabama girl through and through, carrying the warmth, strength, and hospitality of her Southern roots throughout her life.

On September 4, 1954, she married Thomas Leon Neeley on the courthouse steps in Biloxi, Mississippi. Together, they began a journey that would take them across the world through Thomas’s service in the United States Air Force. As an Air Force wife, Anna embraced both the adventure and sacrifice of military life, living in Germany, the Philippines, and Japan while faithfully caring for her growing family.

Wherever they lived, Anna created a warm and welcoming home. She was a devoted wife and mother who took considerable pride in keeping a spotless house and ensuring everyone was cared for. Her kitchen was the heart of the home, where she lovingly prepared meals that brought family together.

Anna especially loved to cook. Her banana bread was legendary among family members, and whenever she baked it, everyone hoped for a slice. She also delighted in preparing dishes that reflected her Southern heritage, including gumbo, peach cobbler, and many other comforting meals that filled the house with warmth and conversation. Holidays were always celebrated at her home, where large family gatherings became cherished traditions.

Anna was a devoted grandmother who played an active role in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She lovingly cared for them, often watching them before and after school, making sure they were fed, safe, and surrounded by love. Some of her favorite moments were spent outdoors—taking walks, gathering rocks, fishing, and, of course, cooking for them. Nothing brought her more joy than watching her grandchildren enjoy the meals she prepared.

A faithful Baptist Christian, Anna often spoke of the day she would be reunited with her Savior and with loved ones who had gone before her. She was preceded in death by her parents, Phelan and Lucy Viola Clarke Zirlott; her beloved husband, Thomas Leon Neeley; her sons, Larry Dale Neeley and Thomas Brent Neeley; and eight siblings: Phelan “Buddy” Zirlott, Nathaniel Zirlott, Bruce Zirlott, Clarence Zirlott, Myrtle Murray, Mattie Bosarge, and Vivian Radcliff. She often said she looked forward to seeing her mother again and believed she would be the first to greet her at Heaven’s gates.

Anna is survived by her children: David Neeley (wife, Inez), Jimmy Neeley (wife, Patricia), and Renee Davis (husband, Gene). She is also survived by Peggy Beard Neeley Laird, the widow of her late son, Larry Dale Neeley.

She was blessed with ten grandchildren: Tabitha Hendren (husband, Daniel), Eric Orr (wife, Amberlina), Shane Davis (wife, Ivory), Diana Colvin (husband, Tommy), Alexander Neeley, Melissa Stevens, Shanna Finney (husband, John), Amanda Davis (husband, Dedric), Miranda Duran (husband, Kris), and Cody Neeley.

Her legacy continues through her nineteen great-grandchildren: Conner Orr, Lexi Davis, Kaalel Colvin, Daniel Orr, Tristen Orr, Kiana Colvin, Dakota Craft, Noel Orr, Melia Stevens, Karlie Orr, Maddison Myers, Faith Davis, Maverick Hendren, Regan Meyers, Millie Stevens, Luke Davis, William Finney, Drew Finney and Oliver Duran, along with numerous in-laws, nieces, nephews, and extended family members who will forever treasure her memory.

She is also survived by her beloved baby sister, Carolyn Zirlott of Theodore, Alabama, whom she loved dearly. Their bond was special—true “ride-or-die” best friends—sharing countless cups of coffee and stories that could fill a room with laughter.

Serving as pallbearers will be Eric Orr, Shane Davis, Conner Orr, Daniel Orr, Daniel Hendren, Cody Neeley, Kris Duran, and Kaalel Colvin, each honoring Anna with their presence and care.

Anna will be remembered for her unwavering devotion to her family, the warmth of her kitchen, the pride she took in her home, and the quiet strength of her faith. Her life was a testament to the power of love, family traditions, and a home filled with laughter, good food, and those she cherished most.

Anna often shared that spring was her favorite season—a time of renewal, beauty, and blooming life. She found great joy in the simple wonders of nature, especially birds and flowers, with a special fondness for red roses. In loving tribute to her vibrant spirit and her deep appreciation for the beauty of God’s creation, the family kindly invites guests to honor Anna by wearing spring colors or floral attire to the service. May her memory continue to bloom, now and always, in the gardens of Heaven.

Funeral services for our beloved mother, Anna Neeley, will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2026.

Services will begin at 12:30 PM at Colonial Funeral Home

625 Kitty Hawk Rd., Universal City, TX 78148.

The service will be officiated by Allen Eugene Davis.

Graveside services will follow at 3:00 PM at Holy Cross Cemetery

17501 Nacogdoches Rd., San Antonio, TX 78266