Alna Carolyn Neill, 1938 – 2021

Alna Carolyn Neill, 83, passed away on Sunday, August 29, 2021, at Willow Creek Nursing Home in Byram, Ms. She was born in Mendenhall, MS. Carolyn settled in Utica, MS after she and Gene Neill married in 1957.

She served her family and community well for many decades. She was a loyal employee for 38 years at the local bank; a faithful member of Utica Christian Church; and a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Carolyn spent her childhood and adolescent years with her seven siblings and parents. She loved being with her family, playing piano, cooking for others and gardening. Every year she would always have a goal with growing even bigger tomatoes than she did the year before. Mrs. Neill sang and laughed with soul and her zeal cultivated for all she encountered.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband of 48 years, Gene Neill; parents, William and Pheba Ponder; sisters Willie Mae Dent, Catherine Miley; brother Ray Ponder, and step-son; Randy Neill.

Survivors include her daughter; Sheila Lyons of Byram; son, Kirk Neill (Jackie) of Utica; step-daughter Rhonda Jones of Florence; seven grandchildren, Sydney Charlton (Joseph), Christopher Cunningham (Stephanie), Austin Neill, Shanna Moorhead, Kristin Summers (Nate), Taylor Neill (Samar), Landon Neill (Morgan); and ten great-grandchildren; brothers, Bill Ponder (Glenda), and Paul Ponder (Martha); sisters Bobbie Jean Tuggle and Lerah Busby.

Visitation will be at the Utica Christian Church in Utica, MS., on Wednesday, September 1, 2021, at 10 a.m.

Funeral service will be held immediately after the visitation at 11 a.m.