Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely

Frances Kathryn Dillingham McNeely, 84, of Marion, North Carolina, passed away Thursday, April 28, 2022 at CarePartners Hospice Solace Center in Asheville.

She was born in McDowell County on April 19, 1938 to the late Wayne Curtis Dillingham and Ossie Beatrice Harvey Dillingham.

Frances ran several local restaurants and had a loyal following as she served breakfast and lunch. She never met a stranger and enjoyed making countless good friends by being an exceptional cook over the years.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Bruce Edward McNeely; granddaughter, Amber McNeely; and four brothers, Don, Ott, Dennis, and Jerry Dillingham.  

She is survived by her children, Gary McNeely, Bruce McNeely (Teri), David McNeely, and Patricia McNeely; six grandchildren, Kim Freeman (Terry), Dusty McNeely (Joan), Matt McNeely,  Dereck Lanning (Melissa), and Christian Nelson; seven great grandchildren, Avery, Evan, Bradley, Caleb, Mia, Gracie, and Tinley; and two great-great grandchildren, Brayden and Maverick.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, May 02, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at Oak Grove Cemetery.