Andrea Neel Gilbert

She was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Arthur Neel, Sr. and Gloria Ann Neel; her brother, Charles Arthur Neel, Jr.; and her husband’s parents, John F. Gilbert and Jacqueline “Jackie” C. Gilbert. Andrea is survived by her devoted husband, Robert “Bo” Gilbert, and their three daughters: Megan Bontempo and her husband, Jeremy Simon; Tricia Miller and her husband, Evan Miller; and Kaitlynn Spencer and her husband, Brian Spencer. She also leaves behind her beloved brother, Anson Neel, and sister-in-law Nancy Patterson Neel; sister-in-law Cecelia Cameron Neel; and her cherished grandchildren, Paxton Miller, Zora Bontempo-Simon, and Oliver Miller.

Andrea was born Donna Andrea Neel on December 23, 1961, in Lufkin, Texas, to Gloria Ann Grainger Neel and Charles Arthur Neel, Sr. As a child she enjoyed swimming, riding horses, and sharing adventures with her siblings. She graduated from Lufkin High School and went on to attend Louisiana State University, where she discovered a passion for journalism and photography. After graduating, Andrea built a career in marketing and sales, where her charisma, storytelling, and warmth shone brightly. She chose work that allowed her to prioritize her greatest joy: being a devoted mother.

Her Catholic faith was the cornerstone of her life as was her love for the Virgin Mary. Andrea was a spiritual leader in her community, actively guiding youth services, participating in Bible studies, and forming deep, meaningful connections with everyone she met. She had a rare gift for turning strangers into lifelong friends.

Family was the heartbeat of Andrea’s life. She was a devoted mother and a proud grandmother—although she wanted to be known as “Grandi,” her first grandson, Paxton, had other plans and affectionately called her “Geegee” instead. She found her greatest joy playing with her grandchildren, often right on the floor alongside them, and celebrating every holiday with unmatched enthusiasm. Her laughter, warmth, and vibrant spirit made every gathering unforgettable. She had a knack for making the simplest of things feel like a celebration, had a heart for giving, and her favorite outing was a ding dong ditch.

Andrea leaves behind a legacy of love, faith, and joy—a life beautifully lived and forever remembered in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Rosary service will be held in her honor at Sunset North Funeral Home, 910 N. Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Texas 78232 (210-495-7770), on June 28, 2026. Visitation will begin at 6:30 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 7:00 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held on June 29, 2026, at St. Joseph’s Honey Creek, 25781 State Highway 46 W, Spring Branch, Texas 78070 at 10:00 a.m.