Shirley Neil

Shirley Mae Parris Jones Neil passed away peacefully at her home on May 10, 2021 at the age of 75. Shirley Neil was born in Etowah, TN on April 26, 1946. She was a long time employee of Johns Manville in Etowah, TN. Shirley was also a devoted member of her beloved church, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church in Etowah, TN. She served in several auxiliaries of the church, Usher Board, Kitchen Committee, and Missionary President. Shirley loved SPORTS especially when her grandchildren or great-grandchildren were participating. Shirley enjoyed being active and on the go. She never met a stranger. She was a great cook and spending time with her family.

Shirley is predeceased by her parents Martin A. Parris, Constance Barnell Brembery Parris, and Estiver Jackson; spouses Jack Eddie Jones and Samuel R. Neil, Sr.; siblings Calvin Tracy Parris, Martin L. “Marty” Parris, Ella Louise ‘Lucy’ Parris McCleary, Rose Mary Hammonds, Bucky L. Jackson, and Gary Jackson.

Her beautiful life will forever be cherished in the lives of her two daughters; Bridget Jones and Erica Long; son Samuel Neil Jr., five grandchildren; Ashlyn (Dustin) Ruebush, Tremaine (Beth Anne) Hammons, Sr., Cristian Hammons, Jackson Long, Jeremiah Long; four great-grandchildren Jayden Ruebush, Tremaine “TJ” Hammons, Jr., Nora Blaine Huskey, and Braxton Ruebush; three sisters Beverly Henry, Sandra Elrod, Deborah Mayfield; two brothers Roland Parris and Frederick Parris. Special friends Jeremy Long, Camellia Holmes, Frances Pierce, Nancy Upson, Judith Williams, and Michael McClure. Special caregivers Savannah Baker (Family and Faith Home Care) and Carrie Wetzel, RN with Adoration Hospice of Sweetwater.

A celebration of life service will be on Saturday, May 15, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. with Rev. Benjamin Jackson, Jr. and Rev. Joe W. Moore officiating at M.D. Dotson and Sons Funeral Home in Athens, TN. Interment will follow at McMinn Memory Gardens in Athens, TN. Visitation will be from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m.

In compliance with COVID-19 there will be a walk-through visitation at the funeral home from 12:00 noon until 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Shirley loved beautiful flowers, those gestures of kindness are so appreciated. However; you may consider donations to her beloved church, Mt. Olive A.M.E. Zion Church, P.O. Box 383, Etowah, TN. 37331

M.D. Dotson & Sons Funeral Home will continue to be in compliance with  COVID-19, mask are required at all times, and we will monitor for social distancing .