Tihessia L. Neely

Tihessia LaVette Neely passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026, after a brief illness. Born on January 23, 1972, in South Bend, Indiana, she was the daughter of James Neely and Ernestine McGee, both of whom preceded her in death.

She received her early education in the South Bend Community School system and graduated from Clay High School in 1990. With a strong desire to learn, Tihessia went on to earn an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Ivy Tech Community College in South Bend. She worked as the Environmental Support Services Supervisor at The Sanctuary at Holy Cross, where her dedication, compassion, and steady leadership made her a respected and valued member of the team.

Tihessia cherished life’s simple joys, including a good book, chocolate, a cold Pepsi, and time spent with family. Above all, she loved her family deeply. Known for her kindness, generosity, and quiet strength, she served as the steady presence and guiding heart of her family, offering unwavering support and love to those around her.

She is survived by her brothers Michael Neely, James Neely Jr., and Eric Small; her sisters Katrina Neely, Shamekka Neely, Monica Neely, Zena Neely, and Victoria Small; nieces Dominique Works, Jamekka Headspeth, Erica Small, Dalana Small, Sarina and Carina Buchanan; nephews Darrius Works, DaShawn Works Jr., Charles Headspeth, and Jayvon Headspeth; great-nieces DaNyrah, Nola, Sahnyrah, and Mena; great-nephews Dredyn and DeShawn III; five aunts, Alice McGee, Doris McGee, Mary Ann McGee Flowers, Brenda McGee, and Shirley Faye Brooks; three uncles, Hose McGee, Richard McGee, and Jeffery Brooks; and special great-aunt Lena Poindexter, along with other relatives, friends, and coworkers. She was preceded in death by her niece Tru Love Works, her maternal grandparents Rosella Brooks and Ernest McGee, her paternal grandparents Everett and Lucille Neely, and several aunts and uncles.