CeVene Neill Slater, formerly of Du Quoin
CeVene Neill Slater, 82, died on Friday, July 24, 2020 at Midland Memorial Hospital in Midland, Texas, from complications arising from a lengthy battle with Guillain-Barre syndrome.
She was born on Nov. 26, 1937, to Thomas J. and Una M. Garrett Neill in the area around Merkel, Texas. She is predeceased by her husband Robert E. Slater; daughter Amy Slater; brother Joe A. Neill and her beloved parents.
She is survived by her son Dr. Neill Slater, daughter-in-law Ana Fass Slater and their children, Dante, Maxwell and Berlin, all of Midland, Texas; brothers Dr. J.D. (Joan) Neill of Birmingham, Alabama and Farris (Freda) Neill of Merkel; sister-in-law Mrs. Mattie (Joe) Neill; and a sister, Katie Neill Ferraro (Harper Creigh) of Cypress, Texas. Other grandchildren are Ricquel Worthington and Jayden Slater.
She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as cousins, all who mourn her passing.
CeVene was a Christian, attending the Du Quoin, Illinois Church of Christ and active in all good works programs there. When she moved to Midland, the first thing she did was find a church with which she was comfortable. She wasn't hard to buy for … just send a box of assorted cards and a roll of stamps. She sent cards for all occasions and never missed special holidays for nieces and nephews, usually including dollar bills for them.
There was never a more loyal and true friend than CeVene. She kept secrets and one always knew she would never break a confidence. She rarely spoke ill of others, instead doing everything she could to help them. She volunteered with the Senior Citizens group in Midland, and was very accepting of everyone, giving what was needed and sharing what she had.
CeVene was a member of the 1956 graduating class of Merkel High School. She received her bachelor's degree in education from Abilene Christian University. She taught for 35+ years, early childhood through fourth grade, in Texas, New Mexico and Illinois.
She married husband Bob on Feb. 10, 1965, in Roswell, New Mexico, and they moved to Du Quoin, where CeVene lived for some 35 years before moving to Midland.
She loved handwork of any kind, be it embroidery, counted cross stitch, ceramics, making felt/beaded/feathered Christmas ornaments, and especially loved to stitch felt/beaded/intricate personalized Christmas stockings. The family lost count of how many stockings she made, but guess it is upwards of 200. We all cherish the hand work she made and shared with us, as well as the personal ornaments and stockings.
CeVene will be laid to rest privately with a graveside service at Rose Hill Cemetery in Merkel, Texas, with Elder Lou David Allen presiding.
Should you desire, donations in CeVene's name can be made to the GBS-CIDP Foundation International, 375 E. Elm St., Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, 19428; to the Merkel Cemetery Association, 201 Edwards, Merkel, TX 79536; or to the charity of your choice.
In her memory, please read a book to your children and/or grandchildren.