Mary McNelly

Mary Elizabeth McNelly, 81, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020, at Saint Francis Medical Center.

She was born March 12, 1938, in Oran, Missouri, to Troy Sr. and Esther Marcella Cowger Estes. She and Lail "Cotton" Bernard were married in 1955 in Oran. She later married Joseph McNelly on June 1, 1996, in Cape Girardeau. He survives.

Mary was a graduate of Oran High School and attended Southeast Missouri State University.

She worked at the Chaffee Hat Factory, Cerebral Palsy Center in Cape Girardeau as executive director and the Victorian Inn.

She was formerly a member of Lynwood Baptist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher for many years.

She loved dancing in the kitchen, frying chicken and baking her famous chocolate chip cookies.

Survivors include her husband, Joseph McNelly of Cape Girardeau; one son, Lacey (Patti) Bernard of St. Charles, Missouri; one daughter, Wendy (Wes Medler) Nenninger of Jackson; five grandchildren, Holly (Adam) Tucker of Cape Girardeau, Jenna (Blake) Smith of Jackson, Austin Nenninger of Jackson, Libby (fiance, Tyler Combs) Bernard of Sikeston, Missouri, and Evan Bernard of St. Charles.

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lail "Cotton" Bernard; and one brother, Troy Estes Jr.

Friends may call from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Saturday at Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home in Cape Girardeau.

A memorial service will be led by the family at 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Avenue of Flags, VFW Post 3838, 1049 N. Kingshighway, Cape Girardeau, MO 63703.

Online condolences may be made at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.