Leona Emily Johnson McNeese Marshall

July 23, 1927 - September 26, 2021

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Guided by her love and deep religious faith, Leona Marshall, 94, of Midland, Texas, was matriarch to her family. She died peacefully of natural causes in her home on September 26, 2021.

Leona’s life began on July 23, 1927 in Burlington, Iowa. Her father Paul was a Baptist minister, and her mother Lura was a teacher. When she was five years old, Leona’s family moved to Junction City, Kansas. After graduating high school at the age of 16, Leona attended Biola University in Los Angeles, California. During that time, she sang in the radio and messiah choirs, as well as played piano for the Student Messiah Union Quartet. After three years, Leona graduated with Bible Studies and Psychology Degrees in 1947.

Shortly after receiving her diploma from Biola University, Leona began graduate courses at San Diego State University before finding a new interest… her future husband, Clyde T. McNeese, a WWII veteran and master carpenter from Texas living in San Diego. They fell in love and got married in El Cajon, California at First Baptist Church, where her father served as minister. Leona and Clyde were happily married for 36 years and together had a son, David, and daughter, Lannette. Clyde died of lymphoma cancer in 1985. During this period of life, Leona started her career as a San Diego City Schools Executive Secretary. Her career spanned 34 years, with 32 of those years spent at Marston Junior High School, where she retired in 1990.

Influenced by her parents, Leona’s love has always been church. That’s where she played the piano and organ, and also sang in the choir. Participating in musical programs brought Leona great joy throughout her life. That joy led Leona to marry Les Marshall in 1990. Together they enjoyed a 10-year “love cruise” and traveled the world hand in hand. Les passed away from lung cancer (never smoked a day in his life) in 2000.

In February 2008, Leona moved to Manor Park in Midland, Texas to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law. During that time, she made new friends, had a new home built, and enjoyed creating a new life and memories centered around The First Baptist Church of Midland. Whether living in San Diego or the Permian Basin, generations of her family looked to Leona for guidance, love and approval because of her wisdom, knowledge, and the sound decisions she made that were governed by her Christian devotion.

Leona is survived by her son David McNeese of Santee, California and daughter, Lannette Amador of Midland, Texas. She cherished all her grandchildren and adored her great grandchildren. That love was also self-evident toward her stepchildren and their families, to whom she was very close.

Leona’s ashes will be scattered at sea off Point Loma in San Diego, California.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be given to The First Baptist Church of Midland, or Midland Hospice.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland. Online condolences can be made at www.npwelch.com.

Leona Emily Johnson McNeese Marshall Guided by her love and deep religious faith, Leona Marshall, 94, of Midland, Texas, was matriarch to her family. She died peacefully of natural causes in her home on September 26, 2021. Leona’s life began on July 23, 1927 in Burlington, Iowa. Her father Paul was a Baptist minister, andContinue Reading

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We are so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. McNeese. Your obituary reminds us of growing up on Iroquois Ave. in San Diego with David and Lannette and going to school at Marston Middle School where we were always greeted with a smile and kind word from Mrs. McNeese. Thank you for creating good memories of our childhood. You will be missed. By the way, Steve and I are still married (50 years) and living on Iroquois Avenue.

I only met and knew her for a moment when she moved into Manor Park. She was a beautiful person inside and out. I'm sorry for your loss of her but know y'all were blessed.

My condolences goes out to you and your family. Leona was a very beautiful and kind mother in law to me when I married her son David. She was always kind to me even after David and I got divorce. We would have lunch at her house by the beach once a week. She taught me how to care and cut roses from her rose garden. She loved her roses,they were beautiful just like her. David always kept me up to date on her health every week for the pass 18years. We even talk the day before her passing and I asked about her and all he said was not to good. Then he text me the next day at 8 in the morning to let me know she was no longer with us. I cried cuz she still meant a lot to me. May she Rest In Peace and my prayers 🙏to the family.

Leona was a kind, smart, fun, and good lady. She was a treasured friend that we will always remember. We send our condolences to Leona's family, especially to her daughter, Lannette, who so lovingly cared for her mother for many years.

In memory of Leona Emily Johnson McNeese Marshall, Liza Baumbach lit a candle

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.