- Date Of Birth: October 21, 1958
- Date Of Death: January 4, 2019
- State: Illinois
Wanda Jean “Mamma J.” Neely, 60, of Franklin, died Friday, January 4, 2019, at her residence.
She was born Oct. 21, 1958, in Jacksonville, the daughter of Billy Wayne Butler and Katherine Avery Stebbins. She married Allen Lee Neely in 1976 in Chandlerville, and he preceded her in death on Dec. 24, 2012.
She is survived by two daughters, Fonda Neely of Jacksonville, and Tia (husband Rafael, whom Jeannie considered a son) Beard of Franklin; two sons, Tayson Neely of Franklin, and Cortney Ross of Springfield; eight grandchildren, Darian and Dontѐ Beard, Sierra, Orlando, and Siergio Mendoza, and Juelz, Javontѐ, and Julieann Blake; and four brothers, and two sisters, Rick (Lynette) Avery, Terry (Laurie) Avery, Lisa (Steve) Hawkins, Melissa Avery, Bill (Debbie) Blackburn, and Steven Avery. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; and brother, Leonard Avery, Jr.
Mrs. Neely was a longtime employee of Jacksonville Developmental Center. She was a member of Franklin Christian Church and volunteered with Meals on Wheels. Jeannie was very outgoing and was a wonderful wife, Mom, and Nana.
