TYLER – Lillie Frances McNeel, a cherished lifelong resident of Tyler who dedicated over three decades to educating local children and served extensively in her community, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 21st, 2025, at the age of 94.
Born in Dallas, Texas, on February 13th, 1931, to Joe and Mary McNeel, Lillie resided in Tyler for most of her life. She was a proud graduate of Robert E. Lee High School in 1949 and furthered her education at Tyler Junior College, where she earned her degree in 1951.
Ms. McNeel embarked on a distinguished career in elementary education, primarily teaching at Peete Elementary School in Tyler for over 30 years. She retired in 1991, having left an indelible mark on generations of students.
Beyond her professional life, Lillie was deeply involved in the Tyler community. She was a dedicated and active member of First Baptist Church in Tyler (fbctyler.org), where she faithfully sang in the choir for five decades. She also generously volunteered weekly for 20 years at East Texas Medical Center, contributing significantly to local healthcare services.
Ms. McNeel was preceded in death by her parents, Joe and Mary McNeel. She is survived by her brother, John McNeel of Austin; her sister, Susan Smith of Houston; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews.
Visitation for Ms. McNeel will be held on Tuesday, December 23rd, 2025, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lloyd James Funeral Home, located at 1011 East First Street, Tyler, TX (lloydjamesfuneralhome.com).
Funeral services will take place on Christmas Eve morning, Wednesday, December 24th, 2025, at 10 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 301 West Ferguson Street, Tyler, TX (fbctyler.org), with Rev. David Jones officiating. Interment will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery, 2101 South Donnybrook Avenue, Tyler, TX.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Tyler.
