Rita McNeilly

Rita Hitson McNeilly, age 93 of Gainesville, GA, formerly of Maryville, passed away Sunday, May 30, 2010. She was born in Monroe County, TN, to the late M.C. and Bertha Mills Hitson, June 18, 1916. She moved to Gainesville, GA in 2008 to be closer to family. Most of her married life she attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church where she was organist for 21 years. She worked for her father’s State Farm Insurance agency and later for Ben Patty’s State Farm Insurance. She also substituted in the Blount County School System. She was active in the Blount Memorial Hospital Auxiliary for many years, serving as its president for three years. Preceded in death by: Parents; Husband of 59 years, William A. “Bill�? McNeilly; Son, William G. “Jerry�? McNeilly; Sister, Ruby Dorocco; Brothers, Doug Hitson, Charles Hitson, and John Hitson. Survivors include: Son & Daughter-in-law, David & Judy McNeilly of Gainesville, GA; Sister & Brother-in-law, Nancy Jean & Homer White of Maryville, TN; Grandchildren, Susan McNeilly Brandenburg & husband Wayne of Sevierville, TN, Steven McNeilly & wife Pam, and Michael McNeilly & wife Amy of Gainesville; GA; Great-Grandchildren, Kennedy Brandenburg, Grace McNeilly, Maggie McNeilly, Anna Kate McNeilly; Sisters-in-law, Flora Martin and Billie Hitson of Maryville, TN and Mary Royce Hitson Watrous of Titusville, FL; many nieces and nephews, former daughter-in-law, Mary McNeilly Pyle; friend and former daughter-in-law, Rosalee McNeilly. Family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:30 PM, Thursday, June 3, 2010 at Smith Chapel with funeral service to follow at 7:30 PM with Rev. Greg Long officiating. Private graveside service will be at 11:00 AM, Friday, June 4, 2010 at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to: Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, 3736 Tuckaleechee Pike, Maryville, TN 37804, The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6931 Arlington Road, 2nd floor, Bethesda, Maryland 20814 (www.CFF.org) or a favorite charity. Smith Funeral & Cremation Service, Maryville, 865-983-1000. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Rita McNeilly please visit our Sympathy Store.