Jessie Merle McNeese's Obituary
Merle McNeese, 91, passed away August 10, 2018. She was a resident of John Knox Village and had previously lived in the Tampa community of Wellswood for over 61 years. She was a longtime member of St. John’s United Methodist Church, community volunteer, puppeteer, loving wife, mother, caregiver, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She led an active life serving as a Girl Scout leader, president of the Honeysuckle Garden Club, Sunday school teacher, volunteer butterfly conservation instructor and puppeteer at area schools. She had a passion for the arts and was skillful in creative endeavors including painting, calligraphy, sewing and ceramics. Merle supported nature conservation and was an avid fan of Lettuce Lake Park in Tampa. Merle was born in Laurel, Mississippi on September 10, 1926. She moved frequently as a career Navy wife, living in San Diego, New Orleans and Maryland before moving to Tampa in 1957. She is predeceased by her loving husband of 55 years, Claude F. McNeese. She is survived by her son Fred McNeese, daughter-in-law Annette McNeese, daughter Beverly Brouillette, son-in-law Paul Brouillette, grandchildren Griffin McNeese, Maxey Herbert and Nicu Brouillette; great-grandchildren Reise and Rory Hebert and Keeley McNeese. A memorial service will be held in her honor on Wednesday, August 15, at 4 p.m. in the chapel at Concordia Village of Tampa (previously known as John Knox Village) 4000 E Fletcher Ave., Tampa, Florida 33613. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the National Audubon Society.
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