Committal
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
Tribute Wall
Leave a tribute for Hilda Lee Malone McNeely.
Oh, she was so special! I loved her as a teacher and then as a friend. She had a sweet, sweet spirit. I really admired and respected her. Heaven surely gained an angel!
Dear Kaye and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Mrs. McNeely was an amazing lady and teacher. She will be missed by all who knew her. Prayers for all of her family and friends to have comfort and peace. Bless you all.
I respected this fine teacher. She made you want to learn, and I never wanted to disappoint her. Thank you for caring about your students.
Loved having her as a teacher and as a friend of the family. God's peace and comfort to all the family at this time.
Thoughts and prayers for the family.
A PRECIOUS aunt and teacher. I owe much to Hilda and her family for support all these years. She was loved by many. Deepest sympathy to the family.