Brenda Kay McNeely, 63, of Cape Girardeau was granted her angel wings Thursday, Nov. 20, 2014, at her home, with her family by her side.

She was born Aug. 30, 1951, in Cape Girardeau, to Ivan S. and Nigel L. Tripp Strop. She graduated from Cape Girardeau Central High School in 1969. She and Kenneth "Ears" McNeely were married Jan. 2, 1970, in Cape Girardeau.

Brenda's life would seem too short to many, but those who were touched by her understood the quality of existence far exceeds the quantity of time in which one lives. Her gentle smile, tiny fingers and baby soft skin brought so much joy to our family. Although she was so tiny and frail, she gave us all such courage and hope and reminded us of the preciousness of life. She loved to help those less fortunate and sent care packages and baked goods to soldiers. Many yearned for her home cooking.

Brenda was employed by Community Counseling Center 36 years.

She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her husband, Kenneth "Ears" McNeely of Cape Girardeau; sons Greg (Shelly) McNeely of Jackson and Corey (Amanda) McNeely of Cape Girardeau; four grandchildren, Chase Sawyer, Cody Randen, Clayton Werner and Dakota Werner; and two great-grandchildren, Carter Randon and Halia Sawyer.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Monday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be at 1:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Virgil Porter officiating. Entombment will be at Cape County Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Memorial contributions may be given to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the Salvation Army.

Online condolences may be made at fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.