Betty Jo McNeil

Betty Jo McNeil, age 99, went to see Jesus at 7:59pm on Thursday, February 7, 2019, with her dearly loved granddaughter Grace McNeil and children, Wayne and Diane at her side in her home in Lubbock, Texas. She was born in Boswell, Okla on Dec. 11, 1919 to Harrison Newell Watson and Grace Olive Furlong Watson. She moved to Ralls, Texas in her early years where she graduated valedictorian of her class. On his last day of college in 1939, Buck McNeil met her walking on campus, soon decided she was the love of his life, and they married in Washington D.C. in 1941. There she worked for Congressman George Mahon in his office while Buck was in the FBI during WWII. After he finished law school they moved back to Lubbock where she raised her children and served as a Sunday School teacher for college students and young married couples. She was ever so grateful to her Lord Jesus for His death on the cross for her. There was never a greater example of kindness, gentleness, and totally accepting love than our mom and grandmother. Being loved completely by Buck, their example influenced many young people throughout their lives. Betty was quiet, but after spending any time at all with her, your spirit came away calmed and feeling loved. She spent much of her later years with her grandchildren who lived on her block, Betty Grace, 18 (named after her,) Angel Michelle, 16, and Carolyn Faith McNeil, 12. They all helped her as her health declined and were the joy of her life. Those left to cherish her memory are children, Diane Dittrich, Buck Wayne McNeil M.D., Dan McNeil, and Kenneth McNeil, grand- and great- grandchildren. She was preceded in death by husband, Buck McNeil, a daughter, Carolyn, in 1959 who was born on Buck’s birthday and lived only one day, a sister Kren, and brother Sonny. (A grandchild, also named Carolyn was born on Betty’s birthday in 2006.) Services will be at First Baptist Church chapel, Lubbock on Wednesday, February 13, at 3PM with burial at Resthaven to follow. Family visitation will be 6 - 730pm, Tuesday, Feb 12, at Sanders Funeral Home in Lubbock, Texas. Memorials to Trinity Christian School, Lubbock Texas.

Betty Jo McNeil

December 11, 1919 - February 7, 2019