Jan. 3, 1920 - Jan. 16, 2009

Born in Erwin, Tenn., Margaret moved to Huntsville in 1942 and worked as a private secretary for the Army at Redstone Arsenal. While there, she met and married her husband of 40 years, John F. Neely Jr. She was a longtime active member of First Presbyterian Church.

Her favorite job was at Huntsville High School, where she worked for 20 years as secretary to the principal. She was preceded in death by her husband, several siblings, brother-in-law, Leo Brookshire; and special friend, Horace Strong.

Survivors include her two daughters, Mary Margaret Cofield of Huntsville, and Nancy Harris and husband B.J. of Birmingham; twin sister, Mary Brookshire of Charleston, W.Va.; two brothers, William Ryburn of Dunedin, Fla., and Charles Ryburn of Kingsport, Tenn.; three grandchildren, D. John Spangler of Mill Valley, Calif., Brooks Harris and wife Anna of Birmingham, and Neely Harris and fiancé Lars Lohmann of Birmingham; special nephew, Mike Brookshire and wife Lynn of Charleston; one great-grandson of Birmingham; and several other nieces and nephews.

The family's sincerest appreciation goes to everyone at Redstone Village for their daily love and care. Visitation will be from 12:30 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Laughlin Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Dr. Darryl Goldman officiating. Burial will be in Maple Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Presbyterian Church Capital Campaign Fund, the Redstone Village FIF (Facility Improvement Fund), 12000 Turnmeyer Drive, Huntsville, AL 35803; or a charity of your choice.

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/huntsville/name/margaret-neely-obituary?pid=123015389