Lydia "Jean" Neely

Our little Butterfly- full of extraordinary love – flew to her final home in heaven on January 8, 2025, surrounded by family. She filled every room with her warm smile and her little giggle that will be missed beyond words. Everyone who knew her… walked away with a hug and a kiss…and an “I love you”. If she had your phone number, you could expect a phone call every single year with her sweet little voice singing Happy Birthday to you.

Fondly known by many names…. Mom, Sister, Aunt, Wife, Grandma Jean, Daughter, Lydia, Jean, Jeannie, Jeannie Bo Beanie, Wilma Jean Wilham, Momma Jean, Auntie Jean, friend and confidant.

She was born in Chippewa Township on April 22, 1935, to the late Lazar and Julianna (Vegh) Pavkov, Jean had been a life resident of Doylestown. She graduated from Doylestown High School in 1953- where she enjoyed Cheerleading and was also crowned May Queen. After losing her husband much too young, she worked very hard for her five children. Waitressing, bartending, and had an early career at Babcock & Wilcox. After her children were grown, she worked at Sterling Jewelers for 25 years where she retired at the age of 78. Jean called both Grace Church in Norton and Crossroads Community Church her home.  She was head of the widows and singles group at Grace Church, was a member of Ladies of Grace, and belonged to the Red Hat Society, where she loved so many friends over the years. Her faith was unwavering, and her prayers were many- as her well-worn Bible is a testament to the trust she placed in God. She was the biggest fan of our Browns, Cavs, Guardians and Ohio State…and she rarely missed a game. She was deeply patriotic and loved wearing her Red White and Blue. She enjoyed her garden, canning her veggies, along with a love for any kind of flowers that would bloom.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, John R. Neely; granddaughters, Kelly Duncan and Anna Campbell; son-in-law, Albert Shed; daughter-in-law, Mary Ann Neely; sisters, Alice Braun, Irene Pavkov, and Donna Ramsey; brothers, Arthur (Dee) Pavkov, Franklin “Hank” Pavkov, and Joseph Pavkov; brother-in-law, Jim Greenlees. Jean is survived by her children, John (Terri) Neely of Doylestown, Mike (Denel) Neely of Akron, Nancy (Bill) Campbell, Amy Shed, and Patrick Neely, all of Doylestown; 12 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; sister, Daisy Greenlees of Wadsworth; brother-in-law, Jerry Braun; sister-in-law, Nancy Pavkov; many nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.

She deeply loved her family, every nook and cranny filled with pictures. She was a Gem and a treasure…. who called most everyone she encountered, “Babycakes”. She will be deeply and sorrowfully missed by so many, and her absence in our lives leaves a butterfly shaped void.

Funeral service will be Monday, January 13, 2025, at 12:30 p.m. at Crossroads Community Church, 700 Gates St., Doylestown, OH, 44230 with Pastor Mike Rose and Pastor Robert Combs, co-officiating.  Calling hours will be from 10 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Private inurnment to take place at a later time at Chestnut Hill Cemetery. Her children would like to thank Doctor Rachel Patel and all the staff at CHCI and also The Sanctuary of Wadsworth “family” & staff for caring for and loving their mom in the last months of her beautiful life. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Brain Injury Association of Ohio at https://www.biaoh.org. Online obituary and guest registry are available at www.zakmonbarrenfh.com

(Zak-Thacker & Monbarren, 330-658-2211)

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