Inez Jones Haskins Neely

          Lutie Inez Jones Neely was born May 26, 1928 to a farm family of Woodie Jones and Magnolia Jones in the Martinville community of Simpson County, Mississippi.  Inez lived the typical farming life with a total of 9 siblings and graduated from Mendenhall High School in 1947. After heading to Jackson, MS to attend Business College, she met her first husband to be, Harold Haskins, and romance bloomed. Harold and Inez were married December 24, 1949, and they lived and worked in Jackson for some time. Harold’s trucking career moved them to several cities before they settled in Pearl, MS to raise four wonderful children. Always a mother first, Inez worked many clerical jobs, plus sold Avon, Amway, Stanley, or whatever it took to give her children the things she wanted them to have.

          Her second chapter in life began in 1995 with her marriage to Arthur Neely. Both had retired with all children grown. They traveled, attended church, enjoyed ballroom dancing and hosted many family gatherings. “Mom’s house” was the central gathering place with home cooked meals awaiting, or just a cup of coffee or iced tea was offered if you stopped by at any time. She was often found digging in the flower beds, even after a long day in the office, resulting in beautiful flowers everywhere around her house. Our mom had the most stamina, grit, love, and willingness to do anything for her family. She was the true glue and matriarch of our family.

          Inez is survived by one sister, Betty Werkau, sons David (Jay) and Steve (Lisa), daughter Cindy Russell, step sons Rusty Neely (Yoshie) and Dennis Neely (Dorothy), adopted son Steve Pena, 10 grandchildren, 8 step-grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and 1 great great-grandchild.

           Inez was preceded in death by her parents, 9 siblings, husbands Harold Haskins, Arthur Neely and son Mike Haskins.

          We especially want to  thank the Caregivers who took care of Mom during her recent declining months. 

          Ott & Lee Funeral Home in Brandon will hold Visitation on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 from 10:00 until Services begin at 12:00 noon.  After the Service, the family will meet at McLaurin Heights Baptist Church in Pearl for lunch before traveling to New Home Cemetery on Hwy 541 in Simpson County for burial.

You may livestream the funeral services starting at 12:00pm Wednesday if you are not able to be in attendance by clicking the following link:  https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=655c3688-dc26-410f-92a1-004c215f5c34