A celebration of the life of Mellie Jo Jefcoat Neaville, age 85, of Dubach, LA will be held at 2:00 PM, Tuesday, December 12, 2023 at Salem Methodist Church with Pastor Robbie Robertson officiating. Interment will follow at Salem Cemetery under the direction of Owens Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Ruston. Visitation will be held at the church prior to the service from 12:30 to 2:00.
Mellie was born October 11, 1938, in Lincoln Parish to beloved parents George Malcolm and Marie Colvin Jefcoat. She passed away at her home near Dubach on December 8, 2023, following a lengthy illness, surrounded by her loving family. She was a woman of great faith and courage as well as a vibrant, loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend.
Mellie’s education included attending the original Hillcrest Elementary School, Ruston Jr. High and graduating from Ruston High School in the Class of 1956. She graduated from Louisiana Tech University in the Class of 1961 with a BA in Music Education. While at Tech, she appeared in many musical productions, with leading roles in several. Her senior recital was held in Howard Auditorium at Tech with many family members, faculty and friends attending.
Mellie Jo was obviously destined for a career in music as she sang her first solo at Salem Methodist Church as a child when she was only 8 years old. She also served as pianist at Salem for many years and over her lifetime sang solos and played the piano for many weddings, funerals and other events at Salem and other churches and venues.
Mellie Jo began her teaching career in the Santa Fe, New Mexico school system. After moving back to Louisiana, she taught music in the Hammond school system, then returned to Ruston and began teaching in the Lincoln Parish school system, first at Simsboro and Choudrant schools, then for most of her career was at Ruston High School, teaching vocal music where she herself had been a member of the choir and Girls Trio during her high school years. While teaching at RHS, she developed many award-winning choirs, glee clubs and small ensembles. Mellie touched the lives of countless students in a positive way before her retirement.
Mellie and her beloved husband Glen Erroll Neaville were married June 12, 1981, at Salem Methodist Church and celebrated their 42nd wedding anniversary on June 12, 2023. They blended their family of five sons and one daughter into a happy and active household. Their love and devotion to each other and their children have been an inspiration to everyone.
For many years, following the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at Salem, Mellie Jo and Glen graciously hosted Christmas Eve gatherings at their home. These were attended by family and friends from near and far, often a standing-room-only crowd.
Mellie Jo was preceded in death by her parents Malcolm and Marie Jefcoat, sons Trey Lacy, Kip Lacy and Kelly Neaville, mother-in-law and father-in-law Nellie and Erroll Neaville, granddaughter Kristi Shayne Lacy Friday and brother-in-law Don Bramlett. She is survived by her husband Glen Erroll Neaville; daughter Allison Lofstrom; two sons: Philip Neaville and wife Marilyn and Bruce Neaville and wife Jennifer; daughter-in-law Angela Lacy; eight grandchildren: Sarah Campbell, Christian Campbell, L.D. Lacy and wife Staci, Nicona Lacy and wife Taylor, Erroll Neaville, Grace Neaville, Lacy Neaville, and Dani Lacy Galitz and husband Roger; and thirteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Mary Jon Jefcoat Bramlett, brother Bobby Jefcoat and wife Dianne, niece Dr. Helen Marie Bramlett and husband Dr. W. Dalton Dietrich and two nephews: Cass Jefcoat and wife Casie and Mitch Jefcoat and wife Megan; and five great-nieces.
The family wants to thank the staff of Allegiance Hospice, including special hospice nurse Kim Roberson. Our special thanks also go to the caregivers for their loving care of Mellie and kindness to all the family members.
Following the example set by her parents, Mellie learned at an early age the values of faith in God, caring for each other through tough times, and the joy of being a part of a large extended family on both the Jefcoat and Colvin sides.
Serving as pallbearers will be: Christian Campbell, L.D. Lacy, Nicona Lacy, Erroll Neaville, Cass Jefcoat and Mitch Jefcoat.
Memorial donations may be made to Salem Methodist Church, 11793 Highway 151, Dubach, LA 71235 or to a charity of your choice.
