Mary Frances Neely

November 11, 1959 - April 30, 2020

Mary Frances Neely was born on Wednesday November 11, 1959 at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California. There was a parade that day. On her birthday for many years, Mary Frances was told that the parade was for her. Her father, James Calhoun, had a wry sense of humor that he passed down to Mary Frances. Once her father’s service in the U.S. Navy concluded, the family moved back home to Vidalia, Georgia. Mary Frances’ mother, Dorothy Mosley Calhoun ensured that Mary Frances excelled in school. Mary Frances graduated with honors from Vidalia High School in 1977, matriculated at Georgia Southern University, and didn’t look up from her books until she had earned, not one, but two doctorate degrees. For most of her career, Mary Frances was a Teacher, retiring from the Clayton County, Georgia School District. Before joining the faculty at Lakeridge Elementary school, Mary Frances spent several years living in Ohio and working as a Social Worker. Mary Frances loved to travel, especially in the North Georgia mountains. Her favorite vacation hideaway was a cabin overlooking the rushing waters of the Ellijay River. She enjoyed visiting wineries, antique malls, local festivals, and Book Club meetings. Mary Frances Neely is survived by her mother, Dorothy Calhoun of Vidalia, Georgia, her husband and partner of seventeen wonderful years, Daniel Hudson of College Park, Georgia, her daughter, Mary Allison Stephens of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, and her sister, Debbie Thornton of Dallas, Texas. Known for her wit, and for being the life of every party she threw or attended, Mary Frances will be forever loved and missed by her treasured family and friends.