Obituary of Margaret Adderton McNeely

Margaret Adderton McNeely, 80, of Rome, passed away on Wednesday, June 16, 2021, surrounded by the love of her family. Margaret was born on June 15, 1941 in Hillsborough, NC. The daughter of William H. Taft and Sue Mae Adderton. Her primary and secondary education was in the Davidson County School System. She attended Livingston College in Salisbury, NC where she received her Bachelors of Science degree. Margaret was united in matrimony to James Aaron McNeely on August 20, 1966, at First Baptist Church in Southmont, NC. They shared 54 years of love, devotion and memories. Margaret was a junior high school and a special education teacher. She served at Staley and Strough Middle Schools for many years. Margaret was a devoted member of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church in Utica where she served for over 50 years. Her duties included Superintendent of Sunday School, Sunday School Teacher, President of the Deaconess Board, Assistant Class Leader, and Chairwoman of the following: Hospitality Committee, Kitchen Committee, Childrens’ Church and the Harriet Tubman Committee. She truly enjoyed the peace and beauty of working in her garden and home and spending time on the phone communicating with family and friends. Her true happiness was found spending time with her loving family. She is survived by her husband, James Aaron McNeely Sr; three cherished sons and daughters-in-law, James A. Jr. and Danita McNeely, Eric Alexander McNeely, & Dwayne Alan and Tawina McNeely; eight grandchildren, Linquan, Robert, Claire, Caleb, Carson, Shamika, Jasmine and Deandra; six great-grandchildren, Kvaun, Kyler, Kamon, Jazhari, Davion and Ralik; two brothers and three sisters and their spouses, William and Savannah Adderton, Agnes Tyler, James and Jackie Adderton, Arnetta and Michael Smith Sr., Evelyn and Rev. Leon Key; many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents. All are invited to visitation from 11am – 1pm on Monday, June 21, 2021, at Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church located at 751 South St., Utica. Funeral services are scheduled for 1pm at the church with Rev. Sharon Baugh officiating. Arrangements by Strong-Burns & Sprock Funeral Home. Margaret will be laid to rest in Sills Creek A.M.E. Zion Church Cemetery in NC. Please respect current social distancing guidelines. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Margaret’s memory to the Hospitality Committee of Hope Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church.