ALMetro360

Montgomery’s history — she seemed to know it all. She loved it all, people and edifices. It was her joy to share it all. In her everyday life she breathed with excitement to help educate and advance projects for the betterment of Montgomery. Mayor Todd Strange fondly recalls how she could settle historical debates, “When we are challenged about the accuracy of facts or claims, we often reply, ‘we know that it’s true because Mary Ann Neeley says it is true,’ and the debate would swiftly come to an end.” Mary Ann’s petite stature and gentle demeanor belied her strength. She was forever in motion. She was a fierce spirit guiding tours in historic downtown Montgomery, investigating old build- ings, assisting in restoration projects. She once whipped into action, physically involving herself to help move a historic structure. It had been tragically marked for demolition. “She was a cheerleader and a fighter… proving how a passion can move mountains or in her case, a towns-worth of historic buildings,” said former Landmarks Executive Director, Marion Cole Baab, who served for several years after Mrs. Neeley’s retire- ment. It was on November 5, 1932, that Mary Ann was born in Mont- gomery at Hubbard Hospital. She was the first child of Mary Collier Oglesby and James Robert Oglesby, making her a seventh generation Alabamian… the descendant of two early Montgomery families – the Grahams and the Fullers. Her Oglesby and Collier roots were deep in Bibb County soil. Tracing family history son, Rand Neeley, said the family made “stops in Prattville, Asheville, NC, Selma and Demopolis before they became ‘planted’ in Clanton, Alabama.” He explained that her father opened an International Harvester dealership there. The family lived on a small, ranch-style farm outside Clanton. Those early years gave Mary Ann a unique education surrounded by horses, cattle and some row crops. But she had “the best time as a young girl” romping with sisters Lenore Fuller and Elizabeth Collier Oglesby. The three were even given their own tiny cabin to escape on the back side of the farm, which they mysteriously named, “The Hideaway!” “They were always a family of readers,” Rand interjected. He re- membered his mother spoke of being read “Gone with the Wind” when it was “hot off the press.” During World War II, he said his mother was fascinated with the German POWs who worked on her father’s farm. She was a girl of 11 or 12 at that time and recalled how people complained the POWs got beer in “dry, Chilton County!” Rand continued, “Mama considered her childhood and her teen years, her college days, her marriage, motherhood and professional work as adventures, to be enjoyed, relished and opportunities to learn.” Mary Ann graduated fromHuntingdon in 1954. “This was not, however, before she and her fellow ‘Juniors’ took it upon themselves to remove the Senior flag from the school flag pole and run up the junior flag instead,” he laughed. On June 27, 1954, Mary Ann married Aubrey Eugene Neeley, whom she had known since the fifth grade. At that time, Aubrey had just been released from active duty in the USAF. (The couple recently celebrated their 64–year anniversary.) Within three years, the Neeley family started multiplying. First came Mary Ellen, followed by James Forrest in two years and wrapping up with Robert Randolph Neeley in 1962. Before and after baby-rearing years, Mary Ann taught in Mont- gomery Public Schools while, at the same time, earning her MA in History fromAuburn University. Her career also included teach- ing classes at Auburn University and Huntingdon College. In time, she would leave teaching to perform a historic structure survey funded by a federal grant. The stepping stones were clearly marked, leading straight to the Landmarks Foundation, a non-profit organization having been founded by James Loeb. Its mission: historic preservation. Mary Ann’s involvement became her life’s work and her passion. She served as executive director for more than 25 years. Old Alabama Town, a project of Landmarks, gave Mary Ann many hours of enjoyment and hands-on history. She was the proud creator of an annual symposium called “Cultural Cross- roads.” And she helped fashion an annual event highlighting Mont- gomerians’ travel through “Vicarious Vacations.” Among the numerous books authored by Mary Ann are “Old Alabama Town,” “Montgomery and the River Region,” “Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” and “The Works of Matthew Blue.” We, of this publication, can proudly say she delighted in sub- mitting historical articles and photos. (Under formerly titled River Region Living magazine.) In fact, during her almost six months of recuperation, in hospitals and rehab facilities, she always told this writer to “let them [magazine staff ] know, I’ll have another article very soon… If someone would just bring me my laptop!” Mary Ann was mentally engaged until the very end. Mere days before her demise, she fascinated an audience of well-wishers as she traced a period of Alabama history and related it with current times. She was glowing as she began describing a “new era,” when she was interrupted by medical rounds. It’s evident why her family affectionately titled her, “Auntie Mame,” which became shortened to just “Mame” through the years. She was reminiscent of the wildly popular character in the movie of the same name. Mary Ann was strongly independent, loved life, adventure, learning and travel. And she, as “Mame,” laughed through it all! The Neeley family, a devoted clan, always remained close. The home of Mary Ann and Aubrey in Old Cloverdale for 51 years served as official headquarters. It was a happening place – full of interesting conversation. Family members, often on hand, included daughters-in-lawMary Alma and Julia Neeley, as well as grandsons Graham and Collier Neeley and Ian Young. Granddaughters Mary Ellen, Mary Lenore and Carrie Eberly were frequently there as well. Longtime, next-door neighbor, Sandra Davis, was part of the family too — another “sister” toMary Ann. The two had developed an endearing friendship through the years. Mary Ann loved cemeteries, especially Montgomery’s historic Oakwood. She spent many hours there researching and giving tours. Sexton, Phillip Taunton, remembers his “dear friend” with this thought: “I can’t help but smile when I think about how she has finally met some of the very same people in Heaven that she taught us so much about during her tours at Oakwood Ceme- tery.” It was her final good fortune to secure a spot for herself in Oak- wood — the only place where she longed to be. And with that final accomplishment, it can be said with certainty: Mary Ann Oglesby Neeley “Rests in Peace.” n Find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter OCTOBER 2018 29