Brenda Neely

BRENDA SUE NEELY

March 23, 1957, TO September 15, 2024.

Brenda Sue Neely, age 67 was carried away by her heavenly angels today. Brenda was born March 23, 1957, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She is the current owner of the LIGHT HOUSE in Pine Bluff.

She was preceded in death by her parents Thomas Edward Neely and Billie Ann Palmer Neely, and Robert Edward Neely, brother, and ex-husband, Thomas E. Berry.

Brenda said her two greatest loves growing up were her horse Blaze whom she raised from birth & were inseparable she states, "they had a strong bond" and the other was playing basketball, she was an All-Star Player.

Brenda went to Wood lawn School, Chapel Academy and Waston Chapel School, she finished early because she was so intelligent.

Brenda is a member of the Watson Chapel Baptist Church.

She is the current owner of the LIGHTHOUSE in Pine Bluff.

How it all started before opening the Lighthouse:

Brenda shared this story -- she stated she was in Fayetteville going to college and was at a party, she felt that she needed to go home, which she did that night. When she got home, she found out the man who had worked for her father's wholesale shop (Nesco) had died and her dad wanted her to start working in the shop - which she did. She never returned to U of A at Fayetteville.

THE LIGHTHOUSE

Brenda worked at her store for 35 years. At one point in her busy life, she was working in the store 6 days a week, raising two children, and going to college UAPB, truly an amazing woman.

She did business with customers & businesses all over the United States. People reading this would be surprised to know just how many people her life had touched through her business.

She custom made chandeliers for individuals across the United States, did restaurant jobs, mansions, and small and large homes. She did one chandelier that was seven feet tall for a person in Satellite, Florida.

Brenda Neely had a remarkable way of connecting to her customers. They were not only customers they became friends and her family. She states, "what I loved about my job is that I was able to help people and make them happy". She states, "I was blown away by the brilliant people who came through my door". They would minister to me and I to them.

Pine Bluff and surrounding counties are dearly going to miss Brenda Neely of the Lighthouse.

Brenda loved working in the garden and with her flowers which she knew the name of every one of them. She stated, "loved digging in the dirt".

Brenda is survived by her daughter, Jessica Neely Berry, and son, Thomas Edward Berry, Jr. Grand children Katelyn Elizabeth Neely Welter, Emily Katherine Welter, Ireland Grace Horne, Rowan Olivia Berry, Rosalyn Sides, step granddaughter and great granddaughter, Elsie Jade Berry. (Brenda adored her grands and great granddaughter)

She is survived by Kenneth Wayne Neely, brother, Margaret Ann Neely, sister, and ex-husband, Kenneth Wayne Smith and had a bonus daughter Kelly Lee Ann Smith and bonus son Kenneth Joshua Smith.

A very important person and love of her life was her dear fiancé, Richard Whaley. He was the kindest most loving person she had ever known. He put a smile on her face every time she saw him or even thought of him. He was her rock. Brenda's friends & family are so grateful to him more than words could ever express. We cannot thank you enough for taking care of her.

Family would like to thank Amanda Gray and Wayne Smith for helping Brenda with running the business while she has been ill. And would like to thank the care team that took care of her during the last few months. Also, Diane Crowder, her best friend, was like a sister and was her design partner. Diane was always there when Brenda needed her.

In lieu of flowers, the family & friends request a memorial in her name or to St. Jude Hospital or to your favorite charity.

There will be a celebration of life for Brenda on Sunday, October 6, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Parrish Hall, 703 West 3rd Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas from 2 - 4:00 pm, RSVP Diane 870-692-2893 or Ramona 870-692-1480. (Cowgirl Theme)