Polly Neely, a longtime resident of Newton County, passed away in Shreveport, Louisiana on Wednesday, September 30, 2015.

Polly was born in Lithonia, Georgia on January 1, 1925 to Thomas Allen and Louise Alldred Jones. She married Jack Neely, and they raised two children together. Polly was known for her love of her community and her family. She was able to share her love and generosity over the 30 years she was employed by the Newton County Board of Education , first as a school bus driver and later working in the board offices. In addition, she served on the board of the Department of Family and Children Services in Newton County for many years. She was a member of Shiloh United Methodist Church and also was a regular attendee at Salem United Methodist Church where she had many friends.

Polly was preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Dot and Julia Max, and her husband, Jack. She is survived by her son and daughter in law, Jimmy and Kay Neely of Port St. Joe, Florida, and their daughters, Kelly and Kate, and her daughter and son in law, Susan and C.C. Walker of Doyline, Louisiana.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Polly Neely will be held at a later date at Shiloh United Methodist Church in Covington, Georgia.

During this time the family has found comfort in these words, “And though she is gone her love for you remains and always will. Your mother lives on within your heart. Her spirit guides you still.”