Sandy Neely

Sandra "Sandy" Kay Neely, 71, of Lenoir, North Carolina, formerly of Matoaka, passed away on March 12, 2026, at UNC Health Blue Ridge Hospital in Morganton, North Carolina. Born on August 2, 1954, in Princeton, she was the daughter of the late William Otis Neely and Evelean Gertrude Harmon Neely.

Sandy found joy in simple pleasures: watching her favorite television shows, enjoying a cold Dr Pepper, and caring for every cat and dog that crossed her path. Above all, she treasured the time spent with her grandchildren. She possessed the most beautiful blue eyes that seemed to speak for her, quietly conveying every feeling held in her heart.

She was preceded in death by her grandson, Deegan Ray Wiley; her niece, Sharon Clark Phillips; and her nephew, Timothy "Timmy" Jordan Neely.

Sandy is survived by her son, Michael Dillon of Lenoir; her daughters, Charlene Dillon Fuller of Lenoir and Michelle Shrewsbury of Rock; her siblings, Drema Weise (Pete), Tammy Clark, and Timmy Neely; her grandchildren, Justin Wiley (Brandi), Adrienne Summers (Mike), Ashley Dillon Burks (Jessie), Rusty Fuller (Tori), Haley Robinette (Walter), Laken Shrader, and Olivia Wingfield; her special cousin, Martha Neely Stables (David); her nephews, Brian Keith Neely, Sidney Clark (Sarah), and Lloyd Allen Weise; her niece, Patricia Weise; and 18 great-grandchildren.