Delores Maria McNeil, 56, returned to her heavenly home on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, after a protracted battle with cancer.
Her devotion to her family and her firm belief in God supported her in her struggle and ultimately gave her peace.
She was the daughter of the late Pete and Evelyn McNeil.
Maria was born April 8, 1960, and departed this life at the Nassau County Community Hospice.
Maria was educated in Nassau County and graduated from Fernandina Beach High School in 1978. She worked in various health-care and food-service jobs over the years. However, Maria’s passion was community service and working with children. She volunteered for Elm Street Little League for more than 30 years and received an award for her dedicated and faithful service in February 2016. She called the games and kept score in the press box until her health failed.
She was baptized in the Catholic church at an early age and attended St. Michael. She was affiliated with various service organizations: American Legion Auxiliary No. 174 and Oceanfront Temple No. 1058.
Maria leaves to mourn her memories three children, Terrance Roberts (Kim), Telmesha Thomas (Keith) and Willalee “Wooda” Smith; nine grandchildren, Teanna, Carmesha, Terrance “Tiny T,” Temari, A’Mari, Tiara, Terryn, Jayla and Jia; seven sisters, Wanda (Robert), Michele, Minnie (Larry), Patricia, Diana, Christy and Cynthia “Twee”; three brothers, Jesse, Pete and Tommie (Cheryl), and preceded in death, Alvin; aunts, Barbara (Earley), Grace (James), Pamela (Thomas) and Pearl; and uncles, Oscar, Johnny and Thomas (Sandra). She also leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends who will treasure her memory always.
Maria’s devoted friends are Terry Lee Roberts and Kevin Smith. Also devoted to her are her friends, Abe and Laura Coggin, Keith Smith, Carmen Emory; cousin, Janice Ancrum; and godfather, Wayne Tyler.
The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Nov. 11, at First Assembly of God, 302 S. 14th St., Fernandina Beach, the Rev. Edwin Shick, pastor. Bishop Jeanette Richo, pastor, will officiate.