<strong>Beckley</strong>-Mary Level Neely, 70, passed away peacefully at home in Beckley on Friday, Feb. 1, 2019. Born in Ronceverte on Apr. 9, 1948, she was the daughter of William Hunter Level and Rosemary Jarrett Level. She spent her youth in Organ Cave and was a graduate of Ronceverte High School. She obtained a Bachelors Degree in Education from Concord University and subsequently a Masters in Education from Marshall University. She married her college sweetheart, Duane Eugene Neely on Aug. 1, 1970, at the Level family home in Organ Cave. She was preceded in death by her father, mother and sister, Katherine (Katie) Rose Helms. Sibling survivors include sisters, Pinky Johnson, JoAnna DeLaquil and Margaret (Margy) Green; brothers, William Patrick Level and David Hunter Level; and 16 nieces and nephews and 19 great-nieces and nephews. Mary was a Reading Specialist and devoted her career to teaching, beginning in Virginia with most years serving in the West Virginia elementary school system as a teacher and after school tutor in multiple counties across the state until retirement. She also served as President of the Fayette County Schools Reading Council, and a member of the West Virginia Reading Association as well as the International Reading Association. She volunteered her personal time and resources to tutor children in need of assistance. A service to celebrate Mary’s life for family members only will be held on Feb. 15. An additional service will be held at Salem Presbyterian Church in Organ Cave in early spring on a date yet to be determined. Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ronceverte is in charge of arrangements. Please send online condolences by visiting www.WallaceandWallaceFH.com
