Mrs. Dorothy Lee Neeley

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith; Henceforth, there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – II Timothy 4:7-8. Dorothy Johnson Neeley, as we so dearly called her our “Aunt Dorothy” was born on March 18, 1929, to the late Joseph Johnson, Sr., and Beatrice (Brown) Johnson. Aunt Dorothy was reared in Big Zion A. M. E. Zion Church. She was a graduate of O. W. Dillon High School of Kentwood, Louisiana. She later attended college for a short period of time and played basketball. She later met and married Otis Odell Neeley. To this union of 45 years, no children were born. They moved to Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and later Compton, California, where Aunt Dorothy worked as a nurse’s aide in the labor and delivery department. She played the piano and was a devoted choir member at Martin Temple A. M. E. Zion Church in California. After re-locating back to Louisiana, she joined Big Zion A. M. E. Zion Church where she served faithfully until her health prevented her from serving. She served on the Deaconess Board, as a Class Leader, Senior Choir President, church pianist at times, Women Home and Overseas Missionary Society, and Lucy Chapter No. 4 Order of Eastern Star. Aunt Dorothy loved singing in the choir and leading songs. Her favorite “iconic” song was “Everybody Ought to Praise His Name, For If the Robin Can Say Thank You, You Can Do It To.” She will forever be cherished for her infectious smile. She was a beacon of light to so many of her nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She had a way of lifting spirits and bringing light to others’ lives. She was a true role model, a force of good. She impacted so many lives by her spiritual guidance and family values. She loved the Lord and was deeply devoted to her faith in God. Aunt Dorothy was a devout Christian and truly loved all of her nieces, nephews, family, and friends. She mentored, taught, and encouraged her family to live a Christian life. Sleep on, Aunt Dorothy, we know you were tired. You are no longer in pain, and you are now resting peacefully. Your life was a BLESSING; your memory a TREASURE. You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure. Aunt Dorothy was preceded in death by both parents, Joseph Johnson, Sr., and Beatrice Brown Johnson; husband, Otis Odell Neeley; four sisters, Louise Campbell, Willie Stean Moore, Laura Mae Johnson, and Nora Johnson; and two brothers, Joseph Johnson, Jr., and David E. Johnson, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories: her two daughterly, devoted nieces, India R. Johnson and Tracy E. Johnson; two sisters, Claudatrice Ratcliff of Saginaw, MI, and Arabella Jackson (Jefphroe) of Hammond, LA; one sister-in-love, MercyDee McCaskell of Hammond, LA; two godchildren, Dorothy L. Showers and Harvey Johnson, Jr.; two special nephews, Harvey Johnson, Sr., and Arrion Johnson; a very special daughterly friend, Fay Schneider-Bright; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Sleep on, Aunt Dorothy! We LOVE you.

Mrs. Dorothy Lee Neeley

March 18, 1929 - September 15, 2025