Harriet Gravlee McNeely

A native of Mobile, Harriet “Bookie” was the daughter of the late Dr. Isaac Marion Gravlee and Harriet Coleman Gravlee. After attending Leinkauf Elementary, Barton Academy, and Murphy High School, she attended the University of Alabama, where she was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority. She was a member of the 1953 Mobile Carnival Association Mardi Gras Court and married her knight, Basil, with whom she raised her family until his death in 1987.

Harriet loved Mobile and served as a board member of the Junior League of Mobile, a founding member of the Art Patrons League, and a board member of the Historic Development Commission. She volunteered for many years at the Mobile Art Museum and the Mobile Carnival Museum. She was also a member of several Mobile mystic societies. Some of the happiest times in her life were spent beading Mardi Gras trains and gowns with Karen Thornton for members of the Mardi Gras court.

St. Paul’s Church was the center of her life. She was a Sunday school teacher and also served as President of the Women of the Church. She was a vestry member and served on the Altar Guild, Flower Guild, and St. Catherine’s Guild.

Harriet treasured her wonderful friendships and led a life full of joy. Dauphin Island was her happy place that she shared with her family and her beloved dogs. She was eager for adventure and loved to travel the world. She dog-sledded in Alaska, whale-watched in British Columbia, fed kangaroos in Australia, and rode on a Harley for her 80th birthday. In her final days, she wanted us all to know that she had a wonderful life.

She was preceded in death by her husband Basil Tyrrell McNeely, her sister Marion Gravlee Jenkins, and her brother William Edward Gravlee. She is survived by her 3 children Basil McNeely (Neena), Ainsley McNeely, and Stirling McNeely Sullivan (Matt) as well as her 5 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or the Boys and Girls Clubs of South Alabama.

Visitation will be held at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Tuesday, July 1, from 9:00 am to 10:00 am followed by a service in the Little Church. Private internment will be held following the service in Old Spring Hill Cemetery, Mobile, Alabama.