Shirley Ann McNeely

Shirley Ann McNeely September 8, 1935 – April 13, 2026

Shirley Ann McNeely (née Carney) passed on to eternal life at the age of 90 on April 13, 2026. Born in Detroit, Michigan, on September 8, 1935, to the late Miles Francis and Pauline Josephine (Potwardowski) Carney, Shirley’s life was deeply rooted in her faith, her family, and her spirited determination.

After graduating from Girls’ Catholic Central High School in 1953, Shirley married her beloved husband, William (“Bill”) McNeely, on February 11, 1956. As a proud Navy wife, she showed remarkable independence, raising their three children in Connecticut during Bill’s extended deployments at sea. Following his retirement, they returned to Michigan to operate Hilltop Campgrounds in Lapeer—a family business previously owned by her mother. During this time, Shirley also built a successful second career in tax preparation with H&R Block.

Shirley and Bill later retired to Tennessee, a place they both dearly loved. Following Bill’s passing in 2006, Shirley returned to Plymouth, Michigan, to be closer to her family. Throughout her vibrant life, Shirley was an active, dedicated member of her Catholic parishes and was blessed with a great love for travel.

She is lovingly survived by her son, Joseph (Therese) McNeely; her daughter, Colleen McNeely-Paul (David); her grandchildren: Alicia (McNeely) Harrel, Nicholas McNeely, Jason McNeely, Joshua McNeely, Nathaniel Paul, and Rebecca Paul; and eight great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Patricia (Brian) King; her brother, Michael (Etsuko) Carney; sisters-in-law Mary Carney and Elizabeth Carney; and many dear cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband of fifty years, William Thomas McNeely; her son, William Mark McNeely; her brothers, Norman and Miles Carney; her sister, Beverly (Carney) Armstrong; and many dearly loved siblings-in-law.

Family and friends may gather on Wednesday, April 15, 2026 from 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. There will be a Rosary at 7:00 P.M.

The Memorial Mass will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at 11:30 A.M. at St. Kenneth Catholic Church, 14951 North Haggerty Road, Plymouth, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Angela Hospice, 14100 Newburgh Road, Livonia, Michigan 48154-5010 or the Pope Francis Center, 438 St. Antoine Street, Detroit, Michigan 48226.

Contribution envelopes will be available at the Schrader-Howell Funeral Home.