News Summary
The community remembers Edna Lee Selby Lennard Neill, an inspiring educator and beloved figure, who passed away shortly before her 95th birthday.
Shreveport, LA – Edna Lee Selby Lennard Neill, a beloved community member known for her adventurous spirit and deep commitment to family and faith, passed away on June 21, 2025, just one day shy of her 95th birthday. Her influence touched many lives over her decades of dedicated service and joyful living.
Born on June 22, 1930, to Marvin and Edna Selby, Edna led a life rich with meaningful relationships and activities. As an active charter member of Christ United Methodist Church for over 60 years, she devoted herself to spiritual growth and community service. Daily Bible readings and devotionals were an integral part of her life, reflecting her personal motto to “Live every day as if it is your last.”
Edna was multifaceted in her interests and talents, finding joy in dancing, holiday celebrations, and baking her renowned pound cake. She served as a caregiver for children at Southern Hills Elementary School, demonstrating her nurturing nature. Even into her late 80s, she maintained a vibrant lifestyle that included recycling, playing cards, and cycling.
Her notable shopping skills were well-known, as she often found treasures for family and friends at Dillard’s, thrift stores, and garage sales. As a proud mother of three children—Ricky, Ted, and Nancy—Edna was devoted not only to her children but to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, fostering a family environment that welcomed gatherings for dinners, church groups, and insightful conversations over coffee.
Edna shared her life with her first husband, James Bernard Lennard, for 48 years until his passing, and later married Gean Neill, with whom she enjoyed an additional 18 years of partnership. She is survived by Gean, two of her children, and her brother Marvin, along with ten grandchildren and sixteen great-grandchildren. Edna was preceded in death by James and her son, Richard Crockett Lennard.
Acknowledgment is due to the caregivers who supported Edna in her later years, including Marlene, Carolyn, Connie, Kisha, Cassie, Gwen, and Nicole, who showed her compassion and dedication.
A celebration of Edna’s life will take place on June 28, 2025, at 10:00 am at Christ United Methodist Church in Shreveport. Following the service, friends and family are invited to a graveside ceremony at Centuries Memorial Park to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Holy Angels School or Christ United Methodist Church, reflecting Edna’s lifelong commitment to supporting her community and the next generation.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Edna Neill
- Wikipedia: Obituary
- Shreveport Times: Obituaries
- Google Search: Obituaries in Shreveport
- Christ United Methodist Church
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Methodism
- Centuries Memorial Park
- Google News: Shreveport community news
Author: STAFF HERE SHREVEPORT WRITER
The SHREVEPORT STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREShreveport.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Shreveport, Caddo Parish, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Mudbug Madness Festival, Red River Revel Arts Festival, and Independence Bowl. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Shreveport-Bossier Chamber of Commerce and Shreveport Regional Arts Council, plus leading businesses in gaming, healthcare, and energy that power the local economy such as Horseshoe Casino, Ochsner LSU Health, and Atmos Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBatonRouge.com and HERENewOrleans.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Louisiana's dynamic landscape.
