Imogene Neeley

Imogene Neeley, 92, passed away on December 6, 2025, at St. Luke Lutheran Community in North Canton, Ohio. Born on November 13, 1933, in the community of Major, Kentucky (Owsley County), she was the youngest daughter of Carl and Lucy Neeley (née Bowling). Imogene was preceded in death by her sister, Loretta Charles (husband John), and nieces and nephews: Darlene Kay, Dwayne, Lonny Ray, Carl Michael, and Lucinda Jean Charles. She is survived by her niece, Debra Pilot (Charles) of Cincinnati, and her nephew, Robert A. Charles (wife Joan), who provided care oversight during her final years living in N.E. Ohio. Multiple great nieces and nephews also may be noted, who have valued and treasured Imogene’s memory and spiritual legacy.

Although never married and having no children of her own, Imogene stood out in the several churches and communities where she lived during her lifetime, radiantly shining the light of her Christian faith to all about her. She was often described as possessing such traits as selflessness, generosity, humility, supportiveness, love and abundant kindness by those who knew her. She shared willingly of the resources God had provided her, expressing faithful emphasis on tithing, attentively saving and then providing a blessing and provision to others – irrespective of who they were. It was not unusual for whole families and groups to adopt Imogene as a favored friend, beloved mother-image and even “Granny”, and she loved children immensely, enjoying and laughing in the companionship of others. It was said of Imogene that she never uttered a mean word or unkind expression, and that her compassion was ever boundless, mirroring the character of her Lord and Savior.

Particularly, Imogene was a special mother figure to her dearest friend Cathy Combs (husband Pastor David) and she was deeply loved by the entire family who came to know her. Many thanks are owed to that extended family for the love and care they showered on Imogene as she entered her final years of decline. They brought more freedom and peace to her in those days than they will ever know, and the family of Imogene expresses a deep thankfulness and affection for them all. They loved her as they would their own.

During her teenage years, Imogene relocated along with the rest of her family to Cincinnati, where they settled initially in Mt. Adams. Through the following decades, Imogene lived independently and was always to be seen active in her family’s lives, and celebrating with her church family at Bethlehem Baptist where she applied her talents as pianist for many years. Devotion and commitment always stood out by her actions and her many kind words. Her working life was primarily at one employer, where she advanced to the role of Treasury Secretary for Union Central Life Insurance Company. Although her parents did later return to Owsley County and purchased a farm in 1958, Imogene and Loretta continued to call Cincinnati their home. Imogene would remain a constant force among her sister’s family and had many dear friends and close co-workers over the next four decades.

After retiring in the 1990’s, Imogene Neeley returned to Owsley County, Kentucky, to care for her widowed father, Carl. During this period, she was a compassionate friend to those who were widowed, and who needed healing to overcome life’s challenges. Following Carl’s death in 2000, Imogene remained living on the farm with assistance from key friends until she entered more advanced stages of dementia, requiring greater levels of care.

Friends and family are invited to join in a celebration of this woman’s life and Christian witness, and to say goodbye for now until we are together with her again in Heaven.

Funeral services will be held on Monday December 15, 2025, at the Newcomer, West Side Chapel, located at 3300 Parkcrest Lane Cincinnati, OH 45211. Visitation for the family and will begin at 9 AM, with public visitation at 10 AM, and funeral services starting at 11AM.

Services will be directed by Rev. Robert A. Charles (Green, Ohio), and Rev. David Combs (Pastor, Elk Lick Baptist Church) will deliver the memorial message.

A funeral procession will follow immediately after the service, with burial at the Arlington Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Trinity at 1PM.