Obituary: Jane Simpson Neely
Jane Simpson Neely passed peacefully on March 11, 2025. She was born on September 1, 1931, to Francis Lester and Ruth Webb Simpson. Jane was a beloved lifelong resident of Middleton. She leaves behind her husband, John William Neely, whom she married February 15, 1953, and recently celebrated 72 years of marriage.
John and Jane raised three children, John William Neely, Jr (Bill) deceased, Janie Paschall (Roger) of Cedar Park, Texas, and Jennifer Martin (Nick) of Brentwood, Tennessee. Jane will be lovingly remembered by six grandchildren, Trish Neely Sullivan, Trey and Blake Neely, Justin, and Patrick and Katie Paschall. She also leaves two great grandchildren, Lila Sullivan and Parker Hatch. Jane will be missed by her sister, Peggy Simpson Ford, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Jane is preceded in death by her son, her parents, and her two brothers, Francis and Jimmy Simpson.
Jane graduated from Middleton High School, U T Martin Jr. College, and received her bachelor’s degree from U T Knoxville. She briefly taught school before raising her family and helping John with his family business, Neely’s Tire Service. She traveled and worked alongside John with his work in CBI Tire Company, a tire buying group he helped start in 1965. Jane was a self-taught bookkeeper.
Jane cherished her family and the community of Middleton. She was known for genealogy research and as the “unofficial” historian of Middleton. Jane was proud of her community and its history, always finding connections to all she encountered. Jane spearheaded numerous Webb family reunions and helped organize many Middleton School reunions.
Through the years, Jane served her community in other ways. She was both a Cub Scout and Girl Scout leader. Jane helped organize the initial Middleton Band Boosters where she served as treasurer. She served on the board of the Reelfoot Girl Scout Council and the Hardeman County Development Center.
Jane grew up in the First Baptist Church. After marriage, she joined her husband at the Methodist Church where she served as a pianist for over 20 years. Later, she returned to First Baptist Church where she continued to be very active in projects like Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child. As she and John needed time in assisted living, she carried her passion for Operation Christmas Child with her. She inspired the community to join her in this rewarding project. Jane encouraged residents to participate in devotions and activities, especially welcoming new people to Morning Pointe.
Jane’s life will be remembered by her great love of family and the compassion and kindness she showed to others. Special thanks to the staff and residents of Morning Pointe Brentwood and the devoted caregivers of Touching Hearts.
Memorials may be sent to the Lottie Moon missions, care of the First Baptist Church of Middleton, or Samaritan’s Purse. Both missions held a special place in her heart.
A celebration of life will be held at the First Baptist Church in Middleton on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 11 a.m. with visitation at Shackelford Funeral Directors on Friday, March 21, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. in Middleton and will resume Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. at the church.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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