CORA L NEELEY, 88 of Kingsport TN, departed this life on October 5, 2023 at the Wexford House Nursing Home where she had been a resident for the last 7 years. She was born in Blackwater, Va on May 21, 1935 to the late Gale Roger and Lenna Giles Bowen. Her husband Edgar Neeley, her 11 siblings, a great grand-daughter, and her son Rickey preceded her in death.

She is survived by her daughter, Brenda Kay Neely; granddaughter, Dezarhea Hebert (Donovan); great-grandchildren, Bailey Rhea and Erik Gunnar Hebert; daughter-in-law, Sue Neeley; and a host of friends and her church family, whom she loved.

Cora L was saved at an early age and joined Rollers Chapel Church. She served as clerk for many years. She, along with her mother and sister, formed the “Bowen Trio”. They were well known in the area and were a blessing to many people. After her mother’s death, Cora L continued singing. She was blessed with a beautiful alto voice and also had a wonderful lead voice. Cora L blessed her church with her singing. She sang at many funeral services and almost every year she would be called upon to sing at our “association meetings”.

Although sister Cora L battled dementia for the last few years of her life, it did not keep her from remembering the songs of Zion and she would bless all who would visit her in the nursing home with her singing. She was a dedicated church member as long as she was able to attend. Even laying her in bed for the last seven years, she would fondly talk of Rollers Chapel and would always want to know about our services. Rest on sister Cora L until we meet in that sweet land that you have sung about for so many years.

-Written by the church clerk, Kim Robinette