Brownie McNeely

(From Clark Funeral Home)

Lona Lea "Brownie" McNeely, of Granby, Missouri, passed away on April 14, 2025, at the age of 89. Born August 20, 1935, in Ridgley, Missouri, to Perry Hawkins and Ama Stamps, Brownie was a proud graduate of Midway High School, class of 1953.

On January 21, 1955, she married the love of her life, Billy McNeely, in Ritchey, Missouri. They shared many beautiful years together until his passing in 2009. Together, they built a life centered on love, family, and faith, and proudly owned a “Century Farm”, a testament to their dedication and hard work.







A longtime and beloved member of Granby Methodist Church, Brownie served her community in countless ways, including more than 50 years of dedication at Citizens State Bank of Granby, where she also managed the Newtonia branch. Known for her kind heart and warm smile, she never met a stranger and was always ready with a story or a laugh.

Brownie was an avid reader, especially fond of Amish love stories, and she had a passion for traveling. She served as a 4-H leader, sharing her wisdom and guidance with younger generations. She also was a supporter of the American Cancer Society and Bosom Buddies.

She is lovingly survived by her children, Brad (Judith) McNeely of Springfield, MO, and Becky Freund of Neosho, MO; sisters, Grace Pinto and Girtha Matters, both of Diamond, MO; brother-in-laws Larry McNeely and Bill Crowe; sister-in-laws Dorothy McNeely and Sara Sue McNeely; her cherished grandchildren, B.J. McNeely, William (Ny) McNeely, Jeremy McNeely, James McNeely, Whitney (Travis) Sarratt, Ashley (Landon) Pooler, and Wyatt Freund; great-grandchildren Rocky McNeely, Maverick McNeely, Rambo McNeely, and Tate Gardner; and a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and countless friends who will miss her deeply.

She is preceded in death by her beloved husband Billy, daughter Barbara McNeely, and siblings Martha Anderson, B.C. Hawkins, and Joe Hawkins.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 17, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Clark Funeral Home – Granby Chapel. A celebration of her life will follow on Friday, April 18, at 10:00 AM, also at Clark Funeral Home – Granby Chapel, with Leann Reynolds officiating.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Brownie’s memory to the Barbara McNeely Scholarship, c/o Clark Funeral Home, P.O. Box 26, Granby, Missouri 64844.

Brownie’s legacy of love, service, and unwavering kindness will continue to live on through all who were lucky enough to know her.