Obituary of Charlee McNeil

Obituary of Charlee McNeil Mrs.Charlee Louise Slaton McNeil was born on October 21, 1928 to Bryan Slaton and Jackie Tyler in Nathan, Texas a Community formed by her Grandfather Professor William Slaton an Educator from Blakey, Georgia. The Slaton's of Georgia were educated at Howard University in the 1800's and 3 brothers were sent to Texas to start schools and create opportunities for Blacks. Professor Slaton started several schools and served as a Principal in the surrounding communities which laid the foundation for Mrs. McNeil's strong desire for education, love of family and her community. She attended and graduated from Booker T. Washington in Cleburne and shared Valedictorian honors with her Sister Billie Slaton. She attended Texas College, Tyler,Texas, and Moody Bible College in Chicago, Illinois. She also graduated from The Voices of Prophecy School. She became a member of St Paul CME church at an early in age. There she was able to strengthen her gift for music, singing and ministry. She united in marriage with the late Rev. Jerome E. McNeil, Sr. She traveled with her husband throughout their ministry for over 20 years until his death on February 28,1978. From the 1950,s through the 1990,s. Ms. Charlee ministered through music all over the state serving as speaker, musician, Christian Counselor and soloist. The McNeil household was often a gathering place for traveling Pastors and their families. It was a haven for food, rest and renewal. She freely shared her musical and singing gifts and was often called on to be a guest on the radio and numerous church programs. She was instrumental in bridging the gap at various functions in which she would often be the only person of color. Mrs. McNeil served as Spiritual Life Director for the Ft. Worth District, in the late 50's and early 60's. She served many years as District Musician for the Ft Worth District and Instructor for Leadership Training Schools . She was a committed Prayer Warrior. She has received countless awards and recognitions for her volunteer and Civic duties but always remained focused on caring for others. Mrs. McNeil became the first African American woman to serve on the Grand Jury in Johnson County and the first African American Volunteer and Counselor for Operation Blessings in Cleburne. She also served on the Board of Johnson County Hospital District and Meals on Wheels. She was a passionate and dutiful Precinct Judge for the East Cleburne Community for many years and a steady voice of wisdom and truth to candidates seeking counsel for various offices. She spent hours counseling couples, families and Individuals across the community and state. After her health began to fail she reluctantly moved to Dallas where she united with Christian Chapel CME Temple of Faith in 2004. She experienced tremendous comfort and care from Heart to Heart Hospice and Missionary Ridge Promise House where Mrs. Zelda Hoffman and Sis Brenda Garrett-Johnson enjoyed her quick wit, humor singing. They shared with Mrs. McNeil's family in the last weeks of her life as she began preparing for her peaceful and joyful transition. Mrs. McNeil has joined her late husband, Rev. J. E. McNeil, Sr., her beloved sister Billie Morris, her mother Jackie Warren, her Step father, Henderson Warren and Father, Bryan Slaton in eternal fellowship . Those who thrive from her inspiration are her son, Dr Jerome McNeil, Jr., daughter ,Billye Caldwell McNeil, granddaughters, Charla and Vanita, great granddaughters, Kyra and Melody , her favorite nieces Jacqueline Morris of Chicago, Illinois and Sylvia Morris of Jacksonville, Florida and her sister in law, Mildred McNeil of Cleburne, a host of relatives, Pastors and Pastors' Spouses and adopted sons and daughters. Memorial Service: 11:00AM, Friday, February 25, 2011, Christian Chapel Temple of Faith C.M.E. Church, 14120 Noel Road-Dallas, Texas