Obituary of Marigold Eleanor Neely

Marigold Eleanor Neely was born on February 7, 2021, and passed into the eternal loving arms of Jesus on August 22, 2021. At six and a half months old, she was often the embodiment of the famous Shakespeare quote, “Though she be but little, she is fierce!”  Born with underdeveloped lungs, Marigold showed us what a fighting spirit looks like and inspired people from all over the world to pray and hope and turn to God.

Marigold was the daughter of Matthew and Sarah Neely.

Her paternal grandfather is Harold Neely, and her maternal grandparents are Ronald and Sandra Howell. Her aunts and uncles include Andrew Tristan, Rebecca and Chris Long, and Philip and Bianca Tristan. Her godparents are Billy and Joy Wint.

Her friends are without number. 

A funeral service for Marigold will be held at 12:00 PM on Friday, August 27, at St. John Fisher Chapel on the campus of The Catholic Community of St. Thomas More. The campus is located at 940 Carmichael St, Chapel Hill NC 27514. There will be a viewing in the chapel just before the service, beginning at 11:15 AM.

An outdoor reception will be held later in the day from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Holy Trinity Parish Center located at 9555 US Hwy 15 501 N, Chapel Hill NC 27517. Those attending are invited to bring camp chairs, blankets, coolers and any food they like, though some food will be provided. 

A second memorial service will also be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, August 29, at First Baptist Church located at 220 Main St, Highlands NC 28741.  The graveside service will follow directly after at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery located at Jerry Gap Rd, Clayton GA 30525. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the PPROM Foundation in memory of Marigold Neely. Donations can be made through this link: https://www.aapprom.org/donate.

Walker’s Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.