Mary Jo Neill Howard Swain's Obituary
Mary passed away peacefully in her sleep in Dallas on November 17, 2016. She was born in Austin on November 13, 1924, daughter of Robert W. Townsley, Sr. and Nettie West Townsley. She graduated from Stephen F. Austin High School in Austin in 1942 and attended the University of Texas. She married Marshall Edwin Neill at University Avenue Church of Christ (Austin) in 1943. She had lived in Dallas since 1953 and retired from First National Bank Dallas (Bank of America). After Marshall’s death in 1994, she married Richard Howard in 1995 and Dale Swain in 2001. She was preceded in death by her husband of 51 years Marshall E. Neill; son Daniel E. Neill; grandson John M. Neill; husbands Richard Howard and Dale Swain; and brother Robert W. Townsley, Jr. Mary is survived by daughters Marsha Gail Surles (David) of Round Rock and Deborah Sue McLain (Arlen) of Mesquite; grandchildren Jeff Surles (Barbara) of Austin, Kelly Jo Surles Lyttle (Matt) of Jonestown, Chris McLain (Rebecca) of Garland, Amy McLain of Dallas, and Susan Neill O’Neal (John) of Dallas; and seven great-grandchildren: Mac Surles, Alex Lyttle, Ella McLain, Nora McLain, Taber Neill, Griffin O’Neal, and Alice O’Neal. Also surviving are her niece, Judy Townsley Fulford (Bobby) of Austin and cousin Jane Aly Waldrop ( James) of Bryan. Also surviving are her husband Richard Howard’s children and their families: David Howard (Sandra), Patricia Howard, Barbara Tweed (Jerry), Brenda Fakheri (Fariborz), and Donna Leach; and her husband Dale Swain’s children and their families: Cindie Brillon (John), Wilma Williams (Tim), and Shawn Swain. The family appreciates the friendship of Irene Corbett, Mary’s next door neighbor for over 40 years. Mary enjoyed her weekly visit to Hair Classics. A special thank you is offered to Fidensia Ayon “Fidi,” a loyal and caring lady. Appreciation is also extended to Villages of Lake Highlands, Mary’s home the last seven months. In lieu of flowers, we suggest a donation to the charity of your choice. The family will receive friends on Monday, November 21, 2016, from 6:00PM to 8:00PM at Restland Funeral Home . A memorial service will be held on on Tuesday, November 22, 2016, at the Skillman Church of Christ at 11:00AM.
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