Obituary of Cora L. Bowen Neeley

Cora L. Bowen Neeley, 88, my sweet mother of mine went to be with the Lord on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Wexford House. Her soul took flight to the “Pearly White City” to abode with her heavenly father. She was born on May 21, 1935 to the late Gale Roger and Lenna Giles Bowen. She graduated from Fairview High School where she later went on to be a substitute teacher for a short time. Cora then married her late husband Edgar J. Neeley. They resided in Kingsport most of their lives. She was a virtuous woman and a devoted Christian who loved the Lord with all of her being. Cora was a member of Roller’s Chapel Primitive Baptist Church in Pattonsville, VA where she attended faithfully until her health declined. She served as the clerk treasurer for the church for many years along with singing with her family the Bowen Trio. Cora also sang at many association meetings, funerals, and church services for most of her life. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and friend who will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her son, Rickey Neeley; infant granddaughter, Mindy Morriah Neeley; brothers, Ellis, Gordon, Kenneth, Franklin D., Carl Winfred, Rev. Junior Bowen, and Roger Dale Bowen; sisters, Rose Blevins, Ruby Williams, and Wanda Joyner; twin sister, Udell Bowen.

Survivors include her daughter, Brenda K. Neeley; granddaughter, Dezarhea Hebert and husband Donovan; two great-grandchildren, Bailey Rhea and Erik Gunnar Hebert; daughter-in-law, Sue Neeley; brothers-in-law, Clifford Joyner and Everrette Donald Neeley; special friend who she thought of as a daughter, Kim Robinette; special family friend, Jerelene Persinger; along with several nieces, nephews and a host of friends.

A graveside service will be conducted at 11am on Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at Oak Hill Memorial Park with Elder Oscar Irvin and Elder Robert Brown officiating. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery by 10:50am.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of the Wexford House and Amedysis Hospice for their loving care over the last six years.

Carter-Trent Funeral Home in Kingsport is serving the Neeley family.