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Jane Caroline Talley Neely

March 2, 1925-March 30, 2011

After a long and courageous struggle with Alzheimer's disease, Jane Talley Neely passed away peacefully in the loving arms of her daughter, Karen Neely, of Sonoma, on March 30, 2011.

Born in Chattanooga, Tenn., the only daughter of Pearl Stiff Talley and Edward Scott Talley, Jane happily spent her childhood fishing with her beloved Daddy, dancing and singing in recitals and later becoming a certified lifeguard for the YMCA. Her father nicknamed her "Pistol" ... and that she was.

Jane was a graduate of Central High School and attended Virginia Intermont Junior College at Bristol, Va., She received her bachelor of arts degree, with an emphasis in business, from the University of Chattanooga in January of 1948. She was a member of Kappa Delta social sorority and the Co-ed Cotillion.

Jane married her dashing midshipman husband, Robert Roy Neely Jr., of Lafayette, Ga., at the United States Naval Academy chapel in Annapolis, Md. on his graduation day, June 5, 1948.

Their's was a life-long love affair. Jane and Bob traveled the world together, always excited for each new opportunity and adventure. Along the way, they raised two children, Dr. Robert Roy Neely III and Karen Scott Neely. Jane's husband preceded her in death in September of 2007.

Jane excelled at everything she did. When her children were small, she was a substitute teacher at their schools. When they became of high school age, she began a very successful career as a real estate agent in Palos Verdes.

Jane was a wonderful daughter, a lovely and devoted wife, adored mother and grandmother and a dear friend to many. Everyone who met her fell in love with her even up to the end of her life. She was just so much fun; witty, charming and compassionate. Jane had great character and a delightful disposition.

Of all of her accomplishments, she often said her favorite role was that of wife, mother and grandmother to her darling grandson, Michael. Jane is also survived by her nieces, Ann Hooper (Don), of Atlanta, Ga., Shirley Moellentine (Moe), of Ocala, Fla.; and nephews, Murphy Broome (Lynda), of Ohio, Andy Kemp (Susan), Afghanistan, Alan Kemp (Susie), of Ahens, Ga., and Robert Kemp (Janet), of Colo. Also, one cousin, Susan Elliott, of Chattanooga, Tenn., along with many cherished friends.

A memorial service is scheduled for Friday, April 29, at 2:30 p.m. at Chattanooga National Cemetery in Chattanooga, Tenn.