Mary Janet (McNeill) Desist

Janet was born July 31, 1946, in Hoke County to the late William Lacy McNeill and Mary Helen McFadyen McNeill. She was a devoted member of Raeford Presbyterian Church, where she taught Sunday School. Later, she became a member of Vaughn Memorial Presbyterian Church, where she faithfully taught Bible Study.

Janet was a lifelong resident of Raeford and took great pride in her community. She never met a stranger and delighted in sharing stories of Raeford’s history, its families, and the generations who called it home. Known as the family historian, Janet could trace connections between families with remarkable detail and took joy in preserving those stories for others.

She was deeply proud of her Scottish heritage and fulfilled a lifelong dream last summer when she traveled to Scotland, a trip she cherished and hoped to repeat.

Janet also had a deep love for the land. She remained a dedicated steward to her family’s farm, which had been passed down from her parents, and continued to see it cultivated over the years.

Janet was a devoted educator for more than 30 years. She was a graduate of Hoke County High School, Class of 1964. In 1968, she received her B.A. degree in elementary education from Methodist College. She went on to earn her master’s degree in early childhood education from Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, a place she loved and often spoke fondly of. She taught at Camp Lejeune Dependent Schools for ten years. For over twenty years, she taught in Hoke County Schools, where she made a lasting impact on countless students. Janet held specialized credentials in teaching reading to students with special needs. She often said she did not teach children to read, but simply “was there when they decided they wanted to read.” She cared deeply for each of her students and carried their stories with her throughout her life. One of her traditions was teaching her students to memorize “The Old North State,” a reflection of her deep love for North Carolina.

Janet is survived by her loving husband of 48 years, Michael Desist of Raeford; two sons, Lacy Desist and Lee Desist, of Raeford; Lee’s fiancée, Holly Smith, of Vero Beach, FL; and a beloved granddaughter expected in September 2026; three brothers, Duncan L. McNeill and his wife Linda of Raeford, Neill Angus McNeill and his wife Linda of Fayetteville, Georgia, and James Michael McNeill and his wife Patricia of Raeford; three nephews, Russell, Joseph, and Patrick; three great-nephews, Aiden, Matthew, and Andrew; and one great-niece, Lauren.

In addition to her parents, Janet was preceded in death by her brother, William McNeill, and her nephew, Dwight McNeill.

Mike, Lacy, and Lee will receive friends and family from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20, 2026, at Crumpler Funeral Home, 131 Harris Avenue, Raeford, NC.

A memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 21, 2026, at Vaughn Memorial Presbyterian Church, 2701 Fort Bragg Road, Fayetteville, NC, with a graveside service to follow at Raeford Cemetery.

Janet will be remembered for her kindness, her deep love for her family and community, her unwavering faith, and her lifelong dedication to teaching and helping others.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” — Matthew 25:23

In lieu of flowers we would ask that a donation is made in Janet’s honor to either Vaughn Memorial Presbyterian Church, Fayetteville Urban Ministries, or The Gideons International for Bibles.