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.
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11 Condolence(s)
Kay Stevens
Saturday, January 31, 2026
I never met this fantastic lady, but have had the pleasure of knowing and loving her family
Congratulations to her on being a great lady and making her glorious journey HOME😇
Love and prayers to her family for their loss
And Congratulations to all of them for having the privilege of her love '-
Linda May
Saturday, January 31, 2026
I worked with Arlene for many years at Barton Stone. We also were roommates at Methodist annual Conference in St. Louis. Arlene was. A lovely Christian lady and kind to everyone. I know you all will miss her very much. God Bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻
Bryan Smith
Friday, January 30, 2026
An awesome human being reading her obit put a warm smile in my heart thinking of her smile.
Reggie Toler
Friday, January 30, 2026
I knew Arlene and Lloyd for many many years. As a home builder Lloyd laid the brick for me on 100 jobs. Their home in Manchester was built from the plans I gave them that is my own home. For a few years now I have missed seeing her on Facebook. I wondered where she was and how she was. She lived a long enjoyable and peaceful life. I'm sure she is continuing that in her heavenly home. ❤️❤️
Anita Thompson
Friday, January 30, 2026
I used to pick up Arlene to take her to Desert Chapel United Methodist church in Apache Junction Arizona. I am only here 6 months of the year and I had lost tract of her after she started going to a church she could walk to near the apartment she lived in in Mesa.
Sending sympathy and prayers to her family.
Paula Manthey
Friday, January 30, 2026
Arlene and I were great friends at our Apache Junction community 2009-2012. She was a great friend to have and I have a lot of fun memories of times we spent together. Rest in Peace dear Arlene! You had a life well lived'-'-🙏. I will always remember you fondly.
Lovingly, Paula Manthey
Jim McNeece
Friday, January 30, 2026
I am the son of Avon and Lucille McNeece. Aunt Arlene will be missed but she created many fond memories. She was a awesome person to be around. I have not spoken to Aunt Arlene for many years but I followed on Facebook best I could. Lost Avon (dad) 2013 and Lucille (mom) 2017. Lost my Linda of 53 years 2024. McNeece family of Topeka, Ks consist of our Son, Jordan and myself. My ph is 7852211887. My Heart and Prayers go out to the family. Uncle Loyd was so special too. Hold all those wonderful memories close to your heart forever. Love Jordan, Jim and Linda in Heaven
Kim Nichols Lenz
Friday, January 30, 2026
I am so sorry to hear of Arlene's passing. Some of my favorite grade school memories are with Arlene in the school cafeteria. I was chosen to be one of her 3 helpers, a very coveted and sought after position. I was thrilled that she had chosen me. We had so much fun working with her. Thank you for sharing her life story in the obituary. There were several things mentioned that I didn't know about her life. God Bless you all as you celebrate her.
John & Terri Fryman
Friday, January 30, 2026
Remembering Arlene as cook (along with my mom) at the Manchester Grade School, as Minnie Pearl and as a member of the Kitchen Band at the picnics. Our hearts and prayers go out to her family.
Karen Martin
Friday, January 30, 2026
On behalf of the Arkansas Nurses Honor Guard, we extend our sincere condolences to Nurse Arlene's family and loved ones. We would be honored to present the Nurses Honor Guard Tribute to recognize Nurse Arlene's life of service. Our brief tribute lasts 8-10 minutes and is provided at no cost. To request a tribute for her final ceremony, please contact your service director at Roller McNutt.
Amy O'Brien
Friday, January 30, 2026
I have always known her as "Grandy", and have fond memories of being around her when I was a teenager. She was a grandmother figure to me, and it just felt like family when she was present. Sending love to the family. I loved reading more about her life story. She will be greatly missed.