Neely Jennings was born September 30, 1921 in Throckmorton, Texas to Clark and Mary Burkhalter. After enjoying the past three years of living at the Good Samaritan Retirement Village in Denton, Texas, she passed away there on May 15, 2007. She was the oldest of five children and grew up in west Texas where her parents farmed cotton. Neely moved to Denton to study art at the College of Industrial Arts (now Texas Woman's University). However, marriage and family soon became priorities as she and Stacy Jennings were wed in Throckmorton, Texas on June 23, 1940. They lived in Denton from that time forward and had 58 wonderful years together before Stacy preceded her in death in 1998.

Neely is survived by her three daughters and their families, two sisters, a brother, and many nieces and nephews. Daughters and their husbands include Joneel and Richard Harris of Denton, Cathey and C. J. Saia of Gainesville, and Cindy and Kirk Simmons of Denton. Her daughters blessed Neely with three granddaughters, three grandsons, three great grandsons, and one great granddaughter, all of whom brought great joy to her life. Surviving siblings and their spouses include Pat and A.D. Draughn of Arlington, TX, Peggy and David Lane of Arlington, TX, Jack and Ann Burkhalter of Olton, TX, and Juanita Burkhalter, wife of her deceased brother Joe, of Austin, TX. Neely was devoted to her family and cherished times spent together. She always looked forward to the annual Burkhalter Family Reunions where family members came together to celebrate life, bringing joy to each other in the good times and strength in times of sorrow.

Since her retirement from Voertman's in 1976, Neely spent much of her time involved with the First Baptist Church Senior Adult Sunday School Class and volunteering, especially with the Alzheimer's Association and the Denton Senior Center. She continually supported her family by caring for her grandchildren and offering encouragement to each and every member. She was often described by family and friends as kind, caring, and loving, with a quite strength that was a result of her faith in God.

In retirement, Neely also found time to return to her love of oil painting, as that passion had been set aside until her children were grown. She spent many joyful hours creating lasting memories for her family with her beautiful landscapes and still life pictures. Neely also loved to travel with the First Baptist Church Senior Adults and would not miss an opportunity to co-pilot on a motor home adventure or join her daughters and sisters on a trip or event to spend time together.

There will be a memorial service for Neely at the Good Samaritan Village Chapel located in the central building at 2500 Hinkle Drive. The service will be at 10:00 AM on Thursday, May 17, 2007, followed by a reception for residents and other guests who are not able to attend the later service.

Visitation with the family will be at 1:00 PM on Monday, May 21, 2007 at Mulkey-Mason, Jack Schmitz and Sons Funeral Home, 705 N. Locust, followed by a second memorial service to further celebrate her life at 2:00 PM. After the service, family and friends are invited to the home of Joneel and Richard Harris at 425 Fry Street. A private burial will be held at a later date

Donations in memory of our beloved Mother can be made to Ann's Haven Hospice, Denton Good Samaritan Village, or the First Baptist Church Senior Sunday School Class.