Hilda Lee Malone McNeely

Hilda Lee Malone McNeely, 99, of Morganton, NC, passed away Thursday, February 13, 2025. Born in Caswell County, NC on November 23, 1925, she was the daughter of the late Frank J. Malone and Hallie C. Malone. Hilda graduated from Prospect Hill High School as valedictorian and earned her Bachelor of Arts in biology from Elon College. She was a beloved teacher who was a role model for so many students in her 31 years of teaching science. She taught at Durham County High School, Greensboro Womens College, was head of the Duke University Hospitals Hematology Department, and then at Burke County Public Schools from 1949 to 1980. She was known to go the extra mile for her students by meeting them after normal hours to complete assignments. Along with her husband, Charles, Hilda was an avid Tar Heels fan who enjoyed going to Kenan Stadium to watch football. She enjoyed basketball just as much and felt like Dean Smith was always going to will the team to victory. Mrs. McNeely was an active lady and loved to be on the go. She enjoyed playing golf, bridge, traveling abroad, volunteering as a Pink Lady, and even cross-country skiing. Hilda was a woman of faith who lived it in her daily walk with the Lord. She was an active member of Drexel First Baptist Church, and she had served as a Sunday School teacher, GA leader, sang in the Joy Group, and served in many other capacities. Mrs. McNeely is survived by her children, Malone McNeely (Shirley) and Kaye M. Hicks (Mike); grandchildren, Brandon McNeely, Katie M. Barkley, Michael M. Hicks, and Bradley B. Hicks; great-grandchildren, Luke & Avery Barkley; cousin, Sandra Newton; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, Hilda was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Burgin McNeely; and a brother, F. Jabez Malone, Jr. The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m., Sunday, February 16, 2025 at Drexel First Baptist Church. A celebration of Hildas life will follow at 4 p.m. in the church with Rev. Bruce Piercy officiating. A private graveside service will be held at Drexel Memorial Park. Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Visitation Feb. 16, 2025 3 p.m. - 4 p.m. Drexel First Baptist Church Service Feb. 16, 2025 4 p.m. Drexel First Baptist Church Committal N/A