Fannie McNeil

Obituary for Mother Fannie McNeil
December 19, 1939 - November 19, 2025

Mother Fannie McNeil, slipped quietly into time eternal, on Wednesday, November 19, 2025, at Lake West Hospital. Born on December 19, 1939, in Enigma, Georgia, Fannie lived a life marked by grace, resilience, and a steadfast devotion to her family, her work, and her faith.

Fannie's early years in Tifton, Georgia, shaped her into a woman of enduring strength and quiet determination. Fannie was a graduate of Tift County High School. Those roots guided her throughout her life's journey, especially as she built a home, raised her children, and touched countless lives with her wisdom and warmth.

In 1963, Fannie left Tifton, Georgia, for Cleveland, Ohio, where she lived for the remainder of her years. For 25 years, Fannie faithfully served as a dedicated bus driver for the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA). She was known not only for her reliability and professionalism but for the kindness she extended to every rider who stepped onto her bus. She retired in 2000, leaving behind a legacy of diligence, compassion, and service to the community.

Her spiritual home was Starlight Missionary Baptist Church in East Cleveland, Ohio, where she worshiped faithfully and lived out her love for God. She served as the President of the Pastor's Aide, later renamed the Shepherd Helpers, a van driver, and on the kitchen staff, where she was known for her macaroni and cheese and banana pudding. Her steady presence, gentle spirit, and unwavering faith became a blessing to her church family and her own.

To her family, Fannie was the heart of the home; she was the matriarch, a mother, grandmother, counselor, and friend. She taught her children and grandchildren the values of perseverance, humility, and trust in God. She poured love into her family in powerful ways that will continue to shape their lives for years to come.

Fannie was preceded in death by her mother, Jennie Mae Dennis; her father, Joshua Stacey; her sister, Ruthie Mae Gorham Haggins; and her beloved daughter, Deidre Celeste Brown.

She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Annie Pearl Campbell in Tifton, GA, her devoted sons Jamie Brannon (Angela), Aerian Brannon, and Marco McNeil (Briana), along with 16 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended relatives, her Starlight church family, and a host of friends who were blessed by her life.

Though hearts are heavy, the family asks that you rejoice in knowing that she is now at peace and reunited with loved ones, freed from earthly burdens, and embraced by the One she faithfully served. Her legacy speaks for her, and we are forever better because she lived, and forever changed because she loved us so well.

"Well done, good and faithful servant... enter into the joy of your Lord."