Mary “Kelly” McNeely

Mary “Kelly” McNeely, age 66, of Kountze, Texas, passed away on November 9, 2025.  She was born on September 10, 1959, to Lou Ann “Penny” Doyle Smith and Marvin David Smith, in Beaumont.

Kelly was known for her vibrant energy and her incredible gift for connecting with people. She could talk to anyone — and she usually did. Whether it was a lifelong friend or a complete stranger, she had a way of making people feel seen and cared for. She would be the first to help anyone in need — but always on “Kelly time.”

She listened without judgment and loved without hesitation. Her laughter was contagious, and her spirit could fill any room she walked into. Though her journey in life wasn’t without struggles, her heart always led with kindness, compassion, and hope.

Her greatest joy was her family — especially her grandchildren. She was a wonderful grandmother, full of warmth, patience, and fun. She made ordinary days feel special and filled her grandkids’ lives with love and laughter that will never be forgotten.

She is survived by her husband, Dale McNeely; children, Misty Locke and her husband, Tim, of Fort Worth, Bronwyn Van Norstrand of Kountze, Erin McNeely of New Braunfels, Buck McNeely and his wife, Jeanette, of Houston, Summer McNeely of Winnie, and Jamie Armentor and her husband, Daniel, of Winnie; grandchildren, Jason, Jaycee, Paitan, Chloe, Henry, Brooklyn, Conor, Charlie, Landry, Aryanna, Justin, and Tyler; and siblings, Lisa Devillier, Donna Sage, Karla Carr, Toby Smith, David Smith, and Danny Smith.

She is preceded in death by her parents and son, Ross Van Norstrand II.

A Rosary for Mrs. McNeely will be recited at 5:00 p.m., with a gathering of her family and friends to follow until 8:00 p.m., Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Broussard’s, 134 West Buccaneer, Winnie. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Louis Catholic Church, 315 West Buccaneer, Winnie, with her interment to follow at Fairview Cemetery, Winnie.

Pallbearers will be Toby Smith, David Smith, Jason Schexsnaider, Daniel Armentor, Conor McNeely, Mark Bruce, and Brady McBride. Honorary Pallbearers are Danny Smith and Derck Smith.

Floral tributes may be sent to Broussard’s in Winnie, or donations may be made in her memory to MD Anderson Cancer Center, P.O. Box 4486, Houston, Texas 77210-4486.