Ellen G. McNeal

FRANKLIN, Va. — Ellen Gilmore McNeal died June 24, 2012. Born June 13, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Ernest Bingham Gilmore and Annie Maude Bradshaw Gilmore. She is also predeceased by her husband, Richard Nelson McNeal, a son, Christopher Shutters McNeal, and her sister, Ernestine (Neen) Gilmore Brett.

Ellen grew up in Franklin, Va., and graduated from Franklin High School in 1950. She attended Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU) in Richmond and retired from the Alexandria City School System in 1988. Following her retirement, Ellen moved to Harrisonburg, Va. She returned to Franklin, the place she always referred to as “home,” in 2001.

Ellen is survived by her son, Stephen Gilmore McNeal and wife, Jackie; her daughter, Tracy Koblish and husband, Jim; and four grandchildren, Jessica Brown-Crossett of Hampton, Jason Michael Brown of Cary, N.C., Autumn Brown-Kujawa of Long Island and Juliana Brown-Dean of Virginia Beach. She was looking forward to the births of two great-grandchildren later this year.

It was Ellen’s request that she be cremated and her ashes spread at the Outer Banks, N.C., a special place to her and her family. It was also her request there will be no services, and so it will be. Remembrances may be made in her name to the charity of your choice. www.wrightfuneralhome.org.