Mary Frances Deaton McNeely, 101, of Statesville, N.C., was called Home on August 4, 2025, after a remarkable life marked by deep faith, fierce love, and unwavering strength. She was reunited in Heaven with her beloved husband, William “Bill” McNeely.
Born on April 1, 1924, to Pleasant Leroy Klutz Deaton and Edna Stuck Deaton, Mary Frances lived a life that spanned over a century—a rare and extraordinary blessing that she cherished with pride and joy, especially when surrounded by her ever-expanding family.
Born and raised in Iredell County, she graduated from Troutman High School in 1941 with 11 years of perfect attendance and went on to earn her business degree from Mitchell College. Mary Frances worked for Bylo Furniture Company and later Bassett Furniture Industries. She retired in 1990 as office manager after 47½ years of dedicated service.
A woman of many talents, Mary Frances was known for her kind spirit, strong faith, and quick wit. She was a longtime member of Bethesda Presbyterian Church and formerly served as pianist at Knox Chapel Methodist Church. Music was one of her greatest joys—she could often be found at the piano playing hymns from memory.
She also loved gardening, admiring her flowers, reading, baking her signature Italian crème cakes, and curating a wardrobe that kept Dillards in business. A true social butterfly, she never met a stranger and lit up every room she entered.
She leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and resilience. She is survived by her son, William “Mac” (Lana) McNeely; daughter, Jane F. Cochrane; and brother, Dr. Paul Deaton; grandchildren, William “Allen” Fox (Cindy), Deborah Fox (the late Stanley), and Wesley McNeely (Tiffany); great-grandchildren, Kierston Mair (Sheldon), Amory Nordman (Richard), Jordan Pataky (Walter), Chelsye Fox, and Payton McNeely; and great-great-grandchildren, Laila and Neko; Camden, Ryder, Harper, and Saylor; Luka, Amelia, and Leo; Raelynn, Emma, and Levi; Ryleigh.
She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” McNeely; siblings Jacob, Ralph, and Ruth; and sister-in-law Jackie Deaton.
Mary Frances was the proud matriarch of five living generations. She was the glue that held her family together, steadfast in her faith, strong in her convictions, and full of love for every soul she encountered. Her legacy lives on in the many who called her Mama, Grandma, Mamaw, Sweet Sweet, or simply friend.
She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, August 11, at Bethesda Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Snipes and Rev. Shannon Langston officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Mary Frances will lie in state one hour prior to the funeral service from 10 until 11 a.m. The family will visit with friends in the fellowship hall following the service.
Memorials may be made to the Bethesda Presbyterian Church Building Fund, 802 Bethesda Road, Statesville, NC 28677.
Troutman Funeral Home is serving the family of Mary Frances McNeely.