of Conway, AR

April 28, 1932 - January 28, 2026

Georgia 'Arlene' McNeece, 93, recently of Conway, Arkansas, entered into eternal rest on January 28, 2026. She was born April 28, 1932, in Jerseyville, Illinois, to the late George and Audrey Marshall.

Arlene spent her childhood in Cane and Roodhouse, Illinois. She was an only child but had her pet pig and her horse to keep her company. Arlene was a bright student. In high school, she was involved in cheerleading, Girls Athletic Association, Pep Club, Library Club, and was class treasurer.

Arlene married the love of her life, Lloyd McNeece, on June 23, 1952, in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. They were married for 56 wonderful years before Lloyd's passing in 2009. During those years, they welcomed two daughters, Rebecca in 1955, and Michelle in 1959. They raised their girls in the home that Lloyd built in Manchester, Illinois. Many happy days were spent camping and fishing, watching movies at the drive-in theatre or taking shopping trips to St. Louis, Missouri. Arlene and Lloyd would spend the next 50 plus years in that small town that they loved dearly.

Arlene graduated from Roodhouse Community High School in 1950 after which, she went on to graduate from the Hardin Brown Business College in 1952. Arlene worked as a bookkeeper and later, as a school lunch lady at her girls' school in Manchester. Arlene decided to go back to school and obtained her LPN license in 1984. She would work at the Barton Stone Nursing Home in Jacksonville, Illinois until she retired in 1998. Arlene always had a smile and a hug for the residents. She would even treat them to one of her impersonation performances as the famous Minnie Pearl.

Arlene was an active member of Manchester's Methodist Church for many years. On any given Sunday, you might find her cooking in the church basement, leading a 'Rookie Cooks' class, attending Ladies Bible Study, or helping with Vacation Bible School. Arlene and Lloyd attended many events at the church over the years. In 2002, a celebration was hosted at the church in honor of Arlene and Lloyd's 50th wedding anniversary.

Arlene was a leader of the local 4H group that both of her daughters were members of.

In 1984, Arlene and Lloyd got an upgrade to 'Grandy and Poppy' with the birth of their first grandchild. They loved being grandparents and loved spending time with their grandchildren.

Arlene and Lloyd loved to travel. From Alaska to Nova Scotia to Disney World with their grandchildren, they were always up for an adventure. Arlene was a talented sewer, quilter, and knitter. Over the years there were various Halloween costumes, knit cardigans, appliqué sweaters, and afghan blankets enjoyed by her very lucky family. Anything you could think of, Arlene would try her hand at. Every time a grandchild or great-grandchild was born they received a special knitted blanket, affectionately known as a 'nonny'. Over the years, she also made a quilted Christmas Stocking for each member of the family. Arlene was also an avid reader who loved all kinds of books. Her favorite book though was her Bible. She started each morning by reading her Bible, a Daily Bread devotional, and journaling.

In 2006, Arlene and Lloyd packed their bags for a new adventure in Apache Junction, Arizona. They moved into a retirement community near their daughter, Michelle. They enjoyed warm weather, beautiful scenery, and new friends. Arlene was very active in their new community. She joined a local Methodist Church where she enjoyed the Ladies Bible Study. If Arlene wasn't doing water aerobics in the community pool, you might have found her competing in a Nintendo Wii bowling tournament or playing BINGO, or any other game, in the clubhouse.

In 2022, Arlene came to live in Conway, Arkansas, near her daughter Rebecca. She was a resident of Stonebridge Senior Living. Her family is so thankful for the wonderful care she received while there.

In her later years, she enjoyed playing a game of Aggravation with her great-grandchildren, watching Gunsmoke or anything on the Hallmark Channel, or just sitting, enjoying the activity of her family around her.

Arlene was preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She is survived by her daughters, Rebecca Dawdy of Conway, Arkansas, and Michelle (Ruben) Reyes of Florence, Arizona; her grandchildren, Hillary (Sean) Connolly of Greenbrier, Arkansas, Matthew Wellner of Phoenix, Arizona, Hayley (Don) Thomas of Conway, Arkansas, and Bethany (fiance, JD Chapman) Wellner of Glendale, Arizona; and her great-grandchildren: Noah, Gabriel, and Elijah Connolly, Ray, Georgia, and Cora Thomas, Kaleb and Cora Wellner, Rowan Chapman and Piper Lichlyter.

Grandy, we love you and will miss you. We count ourselves blessed to have had the gift of your company for all these years.

Obituary Provided By:
Roller-McNutt Funeral Home
650 Central Landing Blvd.
Conway, AR  72032
www.rollerfuneralhomes.com