Dora Neil

Our lives became a little bleaker in the early hours of October 6th. The Northstar of our family left this world. Her love and light shone on us all and we were blessed to have been in her orbit. The first one we called in the morning and the most fun at any holiday. Dora Ann cooked, baked, and spread joy. She loved decorating, gardening and taking care of us all. Her warmth remains in our hearts and memories. Born in Wilmington, Delaware to Christine Long Callahan and James P. Callahan, she lived most of her childhood in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania. In late high school, Dora’s family moved to Ormond Beach, Florida - where fate made it possible to meet her future husband David C. Neil at a local drive-in burger spot. David was on his college Spring Break, and the rest is history. Married for 61 years, they welcomed 5 children and 5 grandchildren. Dora was instrumental in starting their business, Four Seasons Landscaping and Grounds Management. Her organization and tenacity were key to the company’s continued longevity and success. We will forever miss her deep laugh, pumpkin roll, strawberry cake, lasagna, table settings, Sunday dinners, expert advice, design aesthetic, and love. She fought cancer like a champ and beat many odds but God called her home. We are all just walking each other home. Love is what we take with us and what we leave behind. It was our honor to walk with our mother, grandmother, friend, and wife, Dora Ann Neil. Dora Ann is preceded in death by her son, David John Neil and grandson, Luke Hudson Neil. She leaves behind her beloved husband David C. Neil and her children; Chris Neil, Heather Neil Young (Broderick), Meredith Neil Gehrke (Mark), Derek Neil, and Amy Province Neil (David John). Grandchildren; Hutton and Ann-Claire Young, Ella and Mclayne Neil. The family is planning a burial at the Tennessee Veterans Memorial on Monday, November 10th at 8:30am and will receive friends at the home of Heather Neil Young and Broderick Young on Sunday, November 9th from 2pm until 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to The Luke Hudson Neil Foundation (www.lukehudsonneil.org) which was founded in honor of her late grandson. Luke was the son of the late David John Neil and his wife Amy Province Neil.

Tributes

Dora Neil

October 8, 1945 - October 6, 2025