Obituary of Yvonne Wilson Neyland

Yvonne Wilson Neyland, 89, of Silsbee TX passed away on November 24, 2018 in Austin. She was born in Silsbee Tx on September 11, 1929 to Edward and Lucille Wilson. She graduated as Valedictorian from Silsbee High School, and Southwestern University in Georgetown TX with a music education degree. Yvonne traveled for one year as a national officer of her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi, before returning to Silsbee as a music teacher in the Silsbee ISD. She married her high school sweetheart Robert Neyland in 1953. 

Yvonne taught junior high and high school choir until 1965. She also directed both the youth and Chancel choir at First United Methodist Church for many years. After leaving teaching Yvonne dedicated much time to local charities and social organizations.

She was an active member of the Silsbee Woman’s Club, The Twentieth Century Literary Club, The Christian Care Center, and the Silsbee Public Library. She served on the Board of Directors of the ARC of East Texas, supporting the needs of people with physical and mental challenges. She served as a leader at First United Methodist Church in many roles, including two terms as head of the Board of Trustees, Director of Vacation Bible School and as a long-term rotating teacher for the Victery Sunday School Class.

Her beautiful voice was heard at many church and civic services and functions and countless weddings. She was an avid bridge player and very skilled at needlepoint. She loved entertaining and was an excellent cook. Yvonne and Robert had two children, Susan and Wilson.

Yvonne was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her daughter. She is survived by her son Wilson, of Austin TX, niece Becky Spears and husband Mike of Liberty TX, nephew Paul Neyland and wife Teresa of Las Vegas NV, nephew Rick Hogg of Fayetteville AR, her Godson Brook Gilchriest of Silsbee TX, her Goddaughter Mary Kirby of Beaumont and many great-nieces and nephews.

A reception will be held in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church at 10:00 a.m., on Friday, November 30, 2018. A celebration of life will follow at 11:00 a.m., in the Sanctuary. Interment will be at Resthaven Cemetery in Silsbee.

Honorary pallbearers are the members of the Victery Sunday School Class, members of the Silsbee Woman’s Club, members of the Twentieth Century Literary Club, and all of the bridge playing ladies of Silsbee.  

Memorial donations can be made to the Silsbee Christian Care Center, P.O. Box 2050, Silsbee TX 77656.