Obituary of Emma Jean Neil

Emma Jean Simmons Neil, passed peacefully, Wednesday, November 2, 2016, surrounded by her loving daughters and Pastor. She has joined her Lord God and her soul mate, Ernest. Emma Jean was born December 24, 1932 in Scottsville, Kentucky. She was the daughter of James W. (Sapp) Simmons and Verdie Austin Simmons. On December 30, 1953 she married her high school sweetheart, Ernest C. Neil, II, who predeceased her on June 20, 2014 after 61 and a half years of blessed, fascinating and happy marriage. She is survived by three grateful daughters, Dana Evans Neil and husband, Van Arvin of State College PA; Jane Lee Neil Orelli and husband, Joseph Orelli of Williamsport, PA; and Lori Neil Keffer of Washington, DC; five grandchildren, Tiffany Fuller Grant and husband Paul of Williamsport, PA, Cole Neil Arvin of Nashville, TN, Austin Neil Orelli, Vincent Orelli and wife, Shelby and Camille Orelli Seeling and husband Daniel; and three great grandchildren, Nash and Norah Orelli and Kingsley Grant, all of Williamsport, PA. Also surviving are her brother, James L. (Jimmy) Simmons of Murrells Inlet, SC; sisters in law, Toni Neil Johnston and husband, Paul Johnston of Fort Worth, TX and Marian Neil Nash of Tulsa, OK; many nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends. Emma Jean was also preceded in death by son in law, Robert C. Keffer; sister in law, Thelma Spears Simmons; sister and brother in law, Charlotte Neil Parrish and Harry Parrish; and nephews, Russ Simmons, Harry Parrish, Jr and Paul (Jerry) Johnston, Jr. Emma Jean was a 1951 graduate of Scottsville High School, Scottsville, KY, where she loved her teachers, basketball and was cheerleading captain. She graduated from the Lois-Glyn School of Beauty, Bowling Green, KY. She was a stylist early in their marriage, while Ernie taught school and coached for their beloved Alma Mater. Later, she was appointed deputy sheriff of Allen County. During her tenure there and through her encouragement, Ernie joined the FBI as a special agent and their next adventure began. Starting in Omaha, NE, followed by Des Moines IA, Philadelphia, PA, State College, PA, and Williamsport, PA then back to State College. Phase three came when Ernie was named Vice President of MBNA, now Bank of America, Newark, DE…with daughters grown, they were off again. They returned once again to State College with MBNA. Finally, retiring in State College and wintering in Treasure Island FL between grandchildren's basketball and baseball seasons. They loved the water, sun and friends in Florida but didn't want to miss anything. Emma Jean's roots were deep in Kentucky, but her wings let her see the country with the FBI and the world with MBNA. Her favorite job was wife and mother. She was so proud to be Coach, G-man and VP's wife. She took care of Ernie and he spoiled her. She never missed an event that Ernie, "the girls," or the grandchildren were involved in, Church, school, the arts or sports. She was honored to be a part of so many lives of students, agents, co-workers, teammates and all became lifelong friends. Emma Jean was a life member of Scottsville First United Methodist Church, 48 year member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 60 year member of the Eastern Star and member of the United Methodist Women. She truly enjoyed her S & B club, where she lunched monthly with friends for over forty years, highlighted by building and riding on their float in the State College Centennial parade! She was a life time member of the SHS Alumni Association and never missed a reunion. She loved her God, family, gospel music and a great party. She was known for her southern charm and hospitality, her strength, honesty, grace and for her sense of humor. She was a force to be reckoned with and will be greatly missed. Emma Jean loved deeply and was deeply loved. Ernie said" the greatest gift he ever gave his daughters was he loved their mother"…and she loved him! They were our greatest example. A life well lived…we will see you on the other side. Memorial contributions may be made to the Children's Development Center, 625 W Edwin St, Williamsport, PA 17701, memo line: Emma Neil/Austin Orelli. Visitation will be from 2 until 5 p.m., on Sunday, November 27, 2016 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 S. Atherton St., State College. Memorial service will be at 11:00 am, on Monday, November 28, 2016 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 250 E. College Ave, State College, with the Reverend Gregory Milinovich and Pastor Becky McGee officiating. Interment with Ernest will be held in Scottsville KY, at a later date. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com or visit us on Facebook.