AMERICUS — Ellen Thompson McNeill, age 86, of Americus, died at her residence Saturday, September 2, 2017. A native of Norman Park, she was born Sept. 24, 1930, the daughter of the late Alexander and Lillie Mae Thompson. Ellen was raised as a “city girl” in Cairo, Ga. While earning a degree in home economics at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, she met and soon married John Ansley McNeill. Ellen then spent 68 years as a “farm girl. She raised two children, and loved six grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was known throughout our community for her dedication to her faith and family and friends, and for her cooking!

Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Salem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Mark Carter officiating. The family receive friends from 10-11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 4, 2017, at Salem United Methodist Church. Burial followed at Oak Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers included Jess McNeill, Will Souther, Myles Alexander, Chuck Carson, Kevin Kilgore and Bob McNeill. The family suggests memorial contributions be made Salem United Methodist Church, 903 Upper River Road, Americus GA  31709.

Survivors include a daughter, Martha Souther of Douglas; a son, John McNeill Jr.; six grandchildren, Casey Kilgore (Kevin), Megan Carson (Chuck), Jess McNeill (Meribeth), Ansley Alexander (Myles), Anna Rose Souther and Will Souther; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Ansley McNeill Sr.

You may sign the online guest book and share your own special thoughts and memories by visiting www.greghancockfuneralchapel.com.

Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel is in charge of these arrangements.