Connie Lee McNeil, 85, of Portsmouth, passed away at her home on Tuesday, December 10, 2024, with her devoted caretaker and daughter, Janie, by her side, holding her hand. Connie was born on August 18, 1939, in Portsmouth, the daughter of the late Anna May Salyers Salyer Puckett and Hallack Salyer.
She graduated from Portsmouth High School in 1957 and, as a teenager, Connie worked as a clerk at the former S.S. Kresge Co. From there she worked for 17 years at the former Williams Manufacturing Co. as a stitcher. Her vast knowledge of the different stitching styles (French bind, English bind) made her a valuable employee to the very end of Williams Manufacturing. She also worked at the former Mrs. Renison’s Crispie Crème and Rinks Department Store.
Connie loved watching Sci-Fi shows, reading, and working brain games, such as puzzles, in her free time.
She was preceded in death by her husband, James Edward McNeil, on May 14, 2023. The couple was married in West Portsmouth on June 7, 1975. She was also preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Milton Salyer; and three sisters and brothers-in-law, Joyce Ann (Johnny) Farmer, Bonnie Jean (Paul) Kennedy and Peggy Gertrude (James) Bates.
Surviving are her two daughters, Janie Lynn (Eugene) Book of Portsmouth and Cheryl (Chris Day) Isaac of Charleston, WV; one grandson, John Isaac, Jr.; two step-grandsons, Bruce (Lesley) Book of Portsmouth and Dr. Steven (Christy) Book of Charleston, SC; three step-great-grandchildren, Rachel, Brandon and Megan; a step-great-great-granddaughter, Audriana; a niece and nephew whom she loved as her own, Leisa Ann Tackett of Portsmouth and Donald Jerome Reardon of Pittson, PA; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.
Connie Lee was blessed to have the friendship of several wonderful people in the last two years of her life. Her “BBF” (don’t correct her!), Karri Goodman, and Linda (the baby) & Chuck Nelson, along with their grandchildren. They brought joy, smiles, love and happiness to her in ways she had never known.
A Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday from 11 A.M until 1 P.M. at the Ralph F. Scott Funeral Home in Portsmouth.
A Graveside Service will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens at 1:30 P.M.with Pastor Rick Phillips officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to SOMC Hospice, 2201 25th St. Portsmouth, OH 45662, or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org.
