Virginia Neelley

Virginia Josephine (Massey) Neelley, 88, of Clifton, Texas peacefully passed away July 12, 2025.

Visitation: 5:00 to 7:00 PM, Wednesday, July 16 at Clifton Funeral Home

A celebration of Virginia’s life and faith: 2:00 PM, Thursday, July 17 at First Baptist Church Clifton, Texas. Burial will follow at Clifton Memorial Park.

Virginia was born January 20, 1937 in Temple, Texas to Thomas and Josephine Massey. She grew up in Llano and graduated Valedictorian in 1955 from Llano High School. Virginia then furthered her education at Baylor University where she was the only woman to graduate in her class of 1958 with a BBA in Accounting.

While at Baylor she met the love of her life, Norman Neelley and they were married November 28, 1958. They enjoyed 40 years of marriage before Norman passed away in 1999. They built their home on faith, love, hard work and hospitality. They were blessed with two children, Linda Carol and David.

Virginia was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin and friend to many - roles she cherished deeply.

After moving around frequently with Norman’s Air Force career, Norman and Virginia settled in Colleyville, Texas where they were active and faithful members of First Baptist Colleyville and the community. They co-founded the Northeast Tarrant Soccer Association where they served many roles. After raising their family, they moved to Clifton, Texas where they raised Polled Herefords and were pioneers in the Texas apple industry. They were also active members of First Baptist Clifton and the community where they enjoyed many years of friendships!

Virginia had a passion for gardening, cooking, reading, crocheting, traveling, volunteering and the Baylor Bears! She loved studying the Bible and attended Bible Study Fellowship for many years. She worked with 4H and the Junior Master Gardeners, served as a docent at the Bosque County Museum, attended many Baylor sporting events and countless activities of her 7 grandchildren.

After Norman’s death, Virginia continued the family farming and ranching business where she came to be known as the “Bosque County Tomato Lady!” Although she was resilient and independent, Virginia leaned on and trusted the Lord! She set an example for her family and all who knew her of living out her faith, sharing hospitality and exhibiting love!

Virginia is preceded in death by her parents and husband.

She is survived by her daughter, Linda Carol and husband Stephen Wittner, son, David and wife Damaris Neelley; grandchildren DJ and wife Chrystal Neelley, Emily and husband Hunter Pierce, Thomas and wife Becca Wittner, Derrick and wife Stephanie Neelley, Meagan Wittner, Dannielle and husband Justin Allen, and Katherine Wittner; great-grandchildren Trip Neelley, Logan Neelley, Barrett Pierce, Caroline Pierce, Annie Wittner, Blakely Allen, Charlotte Pierce and Theodore Wittner, each a testimony to her love and Christ like influence.

Though our hearts ache, we rejoice knowing Virginia is now resting in the arms our Savior, reunited with loved ones who went before her and hearing the Lord’s words, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to: Bible Study Fellowship @ BSFinternational.org or BSF PO Box 675241 Dallas, TX 75267 or the American Heart Association in her memory so her love for others may continue to make a difference.